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THE 
| RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


IN 


TRANSYLVANIA 


THE BEACON PRESS, INC. 
25 BEACON STREET, Boston, Mass. 





Copyright, 1925, 





All Rights Reserved 





Mave In U.S.A. 


CONTENTS 


THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS 
OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES . TRUE gts Pec 
PRUNING RTA T pe teen ih ee icv tes ow cuit Pint 
THE MEMORANDUM OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN 
COMMISSION OF 1924 To THE MINORITY 
CHURCHES OF TRANSYLVANIA Ag 
THE ANSWER TO THE MEMORANDUM OF 
Avucust 10TH, 1924, oN THE MINORITY 
CHURCHES OF TRANSYLVANIA 
BECTION: = L. 
ALLEGED INTERFERENCE WITH THE GUAR- 
ANTEED RIGHT OF ASSEMBLY .. . 
ROUMANIAN REPLY TO ALLEGED INTER- 
FERENCE WITH THE GUARANTEED 
RIGH TIVO RA SSEMBLY IY cae ew aul 
SECTION II. 
ALLEGED INSTANCES OF VIOLENCE AND 
THE CORRUPTION OF OFFICIALS . 
ALLEGED CASES OF VIOLENCE AND Cor- 
RUPTION ON THE PART OF THE AUTHORI- 
TIES . 
SECTION III. 
THE RIGHTS OF THE CONFESSIONAL 
SCHOOLS oR Dea RA a VN Ce 
THE RIGHTS OF THE CONFESSIONAL 
SCHOOLS 


PAGE 


24 


ou 


36 


37 


46 


47 


66 


67 


SECTION IV. 

ALLEGED INSTANCES OF DISCRIMINATION 
AGAINST THE MINORITIES SHOWN IN 
THE EXPROPRIATION OR IN THE APPOR- 
TIONMENT OF LAND . : 

ALLEGED INSTANCES OF Ditters 
AGAINST THE MINORITIES SHOWN IN 
THE EXPROPRIATION OR IN THE APPOR- 
TIONMENT OF LAND . 

SECTION Y. 

UNGROUPED INSTANCES OF  UNWAR- 
RANTED INTERFERENCE WITH MINORITY 
RIGECS Mule. REC pu 

DIFFERENT CASES OF aa areecee ON 
THE PART OF THE AUTHORITIES IN THE 
RIGHTS OF THE MINORITIES : 

COMMENTS ON THE REPLY OF THE Rane 
MANIAN GOVERNMENT 


PAGE 


128 


129 


156 


157 


172 


THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE ON THE 
RIGHTS OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


Rev. Henry A. Atkinson, D.D. 

Rev. Sylvester W. Beach, D.D. 

Rev. Nehemiah Boynton, D.D. 

Rey. Arthur J. Brown, D.D., LL.D. 
Hon. William J. Bryan, LL.D. 

Rev. Henry Sloane Coffin, D.D. 

Rev. Louis C. Cornish, D.D. 

The Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, D.D. 
Hon. Victor J. Dowling, LL.D. 

Pres. Emeritus Charles W. Eliot, LL.D. 
Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, D.D. 

Hon. Abram I. Elkus, LL.D. 

Rev. W. H. P. Faunce, D.D., LL.D. 
Dr. John H. Finley, LL.D. 

Rev. Linley V. Gordon 

Mr. Hamilton Holt, LL.D. 

Mr. Herbert C. Hoover, LL.D. 

Rey. Frederick H. Knubel, D.D. 

Rev. Lauritz Larsen, D.D. 

Hon. Robert Lansing, L L.D. 

Rey. John J. Lathrop, D.D. 

Rey. Albert G. Lawson, D.D. 

Rey. Frederick Lynch, D.D. 

Bishop William F. McDowell, D.D. 
Rey. Charles S$. Macfarland, D.D., LL.D. 


Mr. Louis Marshall, LL.D. 
Rev. William P. Merrill, D.D. 
Hon. Henry Morganthau, LL.D. 
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas C. O'Reilly, S.T.D. 
Hon. Alton B. Parker, LL.D. 

Mr. George A. Plimpton, LL.D. 
Hon. Frank Lyon Polk, LL.B. 

Rev. Charles E. Schaeffer, D.D. 

Rt. Rev. Joseph Schrembs, D.D. 
Dr. Jacob Gould Schurman, LL.D. 
Hon. Oscar Straus, LL.D. 

Hon. William Howard Taft, LL.D. 
Rev. Worth M. Tippy, D.D. 

Rey. Fennell P. ‘Turner 

Dr. James J. Walsh, Litt.D. 

Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, D.D. 


The members of the American Committee on the 
Rights of Religious Minorities assume no personal re- 
sponsibility for the following statements. The Com- 
mission was appointed by the Executive Committee of 
the American Committee on the Rights of Religious 
Minorities and presents this report to all the members 


of the Committee and to the public. 


INTRODUCTION 


The statements and implications of this report will 
be more clearly understood by the reader if a few facts 
are kept in mind. ‘The rich province of Transylvania, 
roughly 22,000 square miles in area, and formerly the 
southeastern portion of Hungary, was ceded to Rou- 
mania by the Trianon Treaty, which guaranteed the | 
protection of all Minority rights. The Hungarian gov- 
ernment had supported four ancient religious denomi- 
nations, in much the same way that the British Govern- 
ment supports the Anglican Church. ‘These were the 
Lutheran (both Saxon and Magyar), the Reformed or 
Presbyterian, the Roman Catholic, and the Unitarian } 
Churches. Education in Transylvania was in large 
measure under the direct guidance of these churches in 
their Confessional Schools. Roumania guaranteed the 
full rights both of the churches and of the schools. 

This Report does not include more than the four 
Minority groups alluded to above. But there are other 
Minority groups in Transylvania, each presenting its 
own peculiar problems and all sharing certain condi- 
tions. Because they were State Churches under the 
Hungarian rule, and because of their State-supported 


10 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


schools and land endowments, the four denominations 
named present for the purpose of this Report one com- 
mon problem. Beyond it, the Commission could not 
proceed. The other Minority groups, however, should | 
not be ignored or forgotten, and this is particularly true. 
of the Baptists and the Jews. Both need and should re-| 
ceive most careful study. , 

In judging what follows, it is to be remembered that 
in the period prior to the war and following it, rather 
more than half the population of Transylvania had be- 
come Roumanian. It is also to be remembered that by 
far the greater part of the land and institutions be- 
longed to the Hungarians. Further, the percentage of 
literacy was low among the Roumanians and high 
among the Hungarians. From these and other condi- | 
tions it followed that when this great territory was 
ceded to Roumania, a situation involving extraordinary — 
problems and difficulties ensued. 

It is necessary that these facts be remembered if we 
would understand the reason why the Lutheran, Re- 
formed, Roman Catholic, and Unitarian Churches in 
the British Empire and the United States have felt a 
deep concern for the welfare of their co-religionists in| 
Transylvania, and have sent Commissions at different | 
times to visit them. 

In 1924 the American Committee on the Rights of 
Religious Minorities decided to send into Transylvania 
a joint Commission. The Committee also decided to 
ask the British afhliated Churches to send delegates. 
The Commission, as finally constituted, consisted of 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 11 


the Rev. Sylvester W. Beach, M.A., D.D., of Prince- 
ton, New Jersey; the Rev. Louis C. Cornish, M.A., 
D.D., of Boston, Massachusetts; the Rev. Charles E. 
Schaeffer, M.A., D.D., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 
and the Rev. Arthur S. Hurn, M.A., Litt. D., of Leices- 
ter, England. 

The Commission arrived at Bucharest on June 20th, 
and was introduced to the High Roumanian Ministers 
of State by the Hon. Peter Jay and Sir Herbert Dering, 
the American and British Ministers to Roumania. The 
Commission was received with the utmost courtesy and 
shown all possible consideration by the Roumanian 
Ministers, who made statements of policy as here set 
forth. 

His Excellency lon G. Duca, Minister of Foreign 
Affairs, stated that the Government desired to follow a 
thoroughly liberal policy towards all the Minorities, 
religious and racial, deeming it a national necessity to 
maintain cordial relationships with over four million 
of the new population of Roumania, who form the Mi- 
norities. He admitted the occurrence of certain abuses 
in the past, especially in the imperfect administration 
of minor officials; but maintained that the most abso- 
lute respect is paid by the Government, in word and in 
deed, to the principles of the League of Nations Cov- 
enant with regard to the rights of Minorities. 

Mr. Duca informed the Commission that the Goy- 
ernment welcomed the fullest inquiry by impartial and 
enlightened investigators. The Roumanian Govern- 
ment, he said, had no fear of exact knowledge of the 


12 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


present Minority situation, but had suffered much in 
the past from prejudice and misrepresentation. He af- 
firmed the desire of the Government that the Commis- 
sion should hear fully the complaints of the Minorities, 
and also the Roumanian side of any disputed questions. 

His Excellency Mr. Alexander Lepadato, Minister 
of Public Worship and Arts, stated that he was satis- 
fied that the Commission was visiting Roumania with 
the motive of discovering the actual situation of the 
Minorities under Roumanian rule. Statements pub- 
lished in foreign countries, especially in the British Em- 
pire and the United States, made it necessary that in- 
vestigators should see for themselves the true condi- 
tion of things. He placed himself and all the officials 
of his Department at the disposal of the Commission to 
assist them in the discovery of the facts. He believed 
that under the influence of the Ministry of Public Wor- 
ship and Arts a good understanding between the differ- 
ent religious bodies and the Government was rapidly 
coming into being. He argued that at least as great a 
liberty of conscience and of worship is allowed under 
Roumanian rule as at any period before the change of 
government. 

Mr. Lepadato pointed out that Article 22 of the new 
Constitution maintains absolute equality of treatment 
to members of all religious denominations. Its provi- 
sions are in every way in harmony with the principles of 
the Covenant of the League of Nations. ‘Chose leaders 
and members of the Minority groups who were loyal 
to the new Government had no cause of complaint, he 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 13 


believed, against the policy and administration of his 
Department. 

His Excellency Dr. C. Angelesco, Minister of Edu- 
cation, stated that since the union with Roumania the 
Minority Confessional Schools had been nearly doubled 
in number. There are now also six hundred State pri- 
mary schools using the Hungarian language. These 
were all maintained by the Government, while under 
Hungarian rule there were no State schools for citi- 
zens of Roumanian speech. 

Dr. Angelesco further stated that no properly con- 
ducted Confessional School had been closed during the 
period of two and a half years for which he had held 
ofice. The schools that had been suppressed by the 
Ministry were quite ineficient or without proper accom- 
modation. He asked that particulars should be submit- 
ted in writing of any Minority schools which were con- 
sidered to have suffered injustice. 

His Excellency Alexander Constantinesco, Minister 
of Agriculture, declared that the Agrarian Reform 
Law was not directed against the Minorities. In Old 
Roumania over three million hectares of land were ex- 
propriated during 1917 and 1918, before the annexa- 
tion of Transylvania. The law was applied to Transyl- 
vania in 1920. Its object was to defend the country 
from Bolshevist ideas, which had been making rapid 
headway among landless peasants. No race or institu- 
tion had been favored under the Agrarian Law, which 
fell equally upon all, and was administered equally for 


the benefit of all. The Orthodox Church of Transyl- 


14 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


vania suffered the expropriation of 200,000 hectares 
of land, and no less than 134,000 peasants of the Mi- 
nority races had received grants of land in [ransyl- 
vania. 

The Commission was received on Monday, June 
23rd, by Her Majesty the Queen at the Cotroceni Pal- 
ace. The Queen conversed very cordially with the 
members of the Commission, but the conversation did 
not touch upon the question of the Minorities. 

On the following day their Majesties the King and 
Queen received the Commission, together with other 
guests, at luncheon. Afterwards the King talked with 
the members of the Commission concerning the Minor- 
ity problems, expressing his interest in the welfare of 
the Minorities, and stating that the Roumanian Goy- 
ernment insisted only upon two conditions: namely, that | 
the Minorities should become loyal citizens of the Rou-. 
manian State, and that they should acquire the Rou-. 
manian language. | 

His Majesty explicitly stated that the Government 
did not expect the Minorities ever to abandon their own 
languages, but only stipulated that within a reasonable 
time they should also acquire the Roumanian language. 
Both the King and the Queen expressed their approval 
of the purpose of the Commission to investigate the 
present situation of the Minority churches and institu- 
tions. 

The Commission attached great importance to the 
interview with His Excellency Ion G. Duca, the Min- 
ister of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on behalf of His 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 15 


Excellency Mr. Bratiam, the Prime Minister, Mr. 
Duca declared that the Government accepted whole- 
heartedly the principle of the rights of minorities, as 
laid down in the Covenant of the League of Nations. 
He emphatically stated his conviction that the future 
stability of the Roumanian State depended upon the 
loyalty and contentment of the several Minority groups, 
and that as a matter of public policy the Government 
desired to do everything within its power to make the 
Minorities willingly and loyally a part of the Rouma- 
nian State. 

To understand the full significance of this statement, 
it is well to recall the geographical position of Rou- 
mania, as an outpost of Western civilization. To the 
north and east she faces the menace of Bolshevik Rus- 
sia, and at her doors is the unending strife of the Bal- 
kans. 

Before the war, as has already been stated, Rou- 
mania, to ensure stability, created a great class of small 
land-holding peasant proprietors, expropriating by Par- 
liamentary action large parts of the great estates of the 
Orthodox Church (the Greek Orthodox Church, called 
in Roumania the Roumanian Church), which formerly 
owned one-third of all the land in the country. The 
same processes of expropriation were later applied to 
the estates of the Old Roumanian nobility. The Agra- 
rian Reform as a whole in Old Roumania is a far- 
reaching and peaceful revolution away from feudalism 
and towards democracy. 

Few fair-minded people would disapprove of the ap- 


16 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


plication of the Agrarian Reform Law to Transylvania 
if the Roumanian people expropriated the great estates 
of the nobility and churches in Old Roumania and de- 
vised methods of compensation for the former owners. 
And the right can hardly be denied them to apply meas- 
ures of Agrarian reform to the great estates in Tran- 
sylvania. But the question is not so simple as it appears 
to be. Conditions in Old Roumania were different from 
the conditions of land tenure and property ownership 
in Transylvania. It is open to debate whether the Agra- 
rian Reform as devised for Old Roumania was equally 
desirable for Transylvania. Beyond these and simi- 
lar considerations there lies a very great question, 
which is of the utmost importance. Has the Agrarian 
Reform Law been equitably administered in Transyl- 
vania, or in effect has it been used as an instrument for 
despoiling the Minorities and enriching the majority? 

In the greatly extended territory of ihe new Rou- 
mania live several Minority groups, among them the 
Saxons and the Magyars of Transylvania, who are his- 
torically hard-working, self-respecting, law-abiding and 
well-educated people. If justly and wisely governed, 
these groups may yet prove to be among the greatest 
and most potent influences working for the stability of 
the comparatively new state of Roumania against dis- 
ruptive tendencies. 

The members of the Commission assumed that it 
was to these considerations that Mr. Duca alluded, and 
they feel assured that if the Roumanian Government 
will accept this attitude towards the Minorities and 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 17 


proceed according to it, the hardships which have been 
suffered under Roumanian rule will be alleviated and in 
time will cease. 

Mr. Duca joined the other High Ministers of State 
in requesting the Commission to report in writing all 
cases of hardship and abuse discovered, and promised 
that if the alleged facts could be proved true, the abuses 
would be corrected, and on their own initiative they 
added that “‘the wrong-doers would be brought to jus- 
tice.”’ 

On Monday evening, June 23rd, His Excellency Mr. 
Lepadato, Minister of Public Worship and Arts, gave 
a dinner to the Commission in the gardens of the Cha- 
teaubriand, where there were present distinguished rep- 
resentatives of the Government and of the Churches. 
Mr. Lepadato, himself a Transylvanian Roumanian, 
impressed the members of the Commission with his sin- 
cere desire to deal justly with the Minorities, and so far 
as possible to satisfy their legitimate demands. All who 
spoke dwelt on their earnest desire for conciliatory pro- 
cedure with the Minorities, and their wish that the 
Minorities might really be welded into the Roumanian 
State. 

The High Roumanian Ministers of State offered 
every facility for both the convenience and the informa- 
tion of the Commission. ‘They offered to place at the 
disposal of the Commission a private railway car for as 
long a period as might be required, to travel without 
expense to all parts of Roumania, and they offered also 
to provide automobiles at the expense of the State 


18 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


wherever the Commission might desire to use them. 
They further offered to send with the Commission an 
Officer of State and official interpreters. 

The Commission gratefully accepted the use of the 
railway car between Bucharest and Cluj, and also on 
the return journey between Bucharest and the frontier. 
The acceptance was not alone for the personal conven- 
ience of the members of the Commission, but it also 
greatly facilitated their work. Desiring to proceed with 
the investigations independently, the Commission de- 
clined to be accompanied by Roumanian officials or in- 
terpreters, and also declined the use of Government 
automobiles. The High Roumanian Ministers of State 
accepted this refusal with goodwill, and left the Com- 
mission entirely free to follow its own methods. The 
Commission also declined to accept similar courteous 
offers of assistance on the part of the Minorities. 

In Transylvania the Commission divided into two 
groups and visited many centres, where testimony was 
received from honored representatives concerning the 
present condition of the Minority churches and institu- 
tions. The Commission traveled in Transylvania about 
2,200 miles, mostly by automobile. 

At a concluding conference at Cluj, the Commission 
met the Bishops of the Reformed and Unitarian 
Churches, together with the official representatives 
of the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran 
Churches, both Saxon and Magyar, and received official 
statements of the conditions obtaining in these several 
groups. Later the Commission met the Roman Cath- 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 19 


olic Bishop. The Lutheran, both Magyar and Saxon, 
and the Roman Catholic representatives promised to 
send written statements of alleged abuses to the Com- 
mission, supporting and enlarging the evidence sub- 
mitted during the investigations and at the conferences. 
These promised reports have not yet been received.* 

After completing its investigation in Transylvania, 
the Commission returned to Bucharest to make its ver- 
bal report to the High Ministers of State, and to dis- 
cuss with them the facts observed. His Excellency Mr. 
Duca promised immediate correction of certain stated 
wrongs, submitted by the Commission and admitted to 
be true by the Government. He further renewed his 
promises of redress for certain specific wrongs noted, 
and pledged his word for the immediate action of the 
Government on receipt of the written memorandum of 


*Since this report was written, a communication has been received 
from the Magyar Lutherans, reiterating the complaints made in 
the Memorandum and further describing present conditions. In 
the absence of the reports from the Saxon Lutherans and the Roman 
Catholics, it is deemed inexpedient to publish it. 

An important communication has also been received from the 
Saxon Lutherans. It was not addressed to this Commission but was 
sent to a church official interested in the welfare of the Saxon 
Lutheran churches. It particularly deals with the portions of this 
Report concerning the treatment of the schools. Not only does it 
endorse all that the Commission presents, it is far more sweeping 
than this report in its accusation against the Roumanian treatment 
of the Minority schools. It is important because the testimony pro- 
ceeds not from the Magyar minority but from the Saxon minority, 
which at first welcomed the change from Hungarian to Roumanian 
rule, and has now become as bitter in its opposition to Roumanian 
rule as is the Magyar minority. 

In the absence of a formal communication from the Roman Cath- 
olics, and as the Saxon report is not addressed to this Commission, 
it has been deemed advisable not to include these testimonies in the 


Commission’s Report. 


20 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


the Commission, wherever the facts should prove as 
alleged. 

His Excellency Dr. Angelesco, Minister of Educa- 
tion, and distinguished representatives of the other 
Departments of State, were entertained by the Com- 
mission at a luncheon, which was also attended by Sir 
Herbert Dering and the Hon. Peter Jay. Cordial sen- 
timents towards the Minorities were again expressed 
by the Roumanian statesmen present. In the Confer- 
ence which followed, lasting about three hours, the 
Minister of Education listened to the comments made 
by the Commission on the situation of the Minority 
schools, and explained the new Education Bill and the 
proposed amendments. ‘The Minister of Agriculture 
was represented by the Secretary-General, who simi- 
larly took up the questions arising from the Agrarian 
Reform Law. Mr. Tartarescu represented the Prime 
Minister at this conference, and Dr. Vasile Gh. Ispir 
was present on behalf of the Minister of Public Wor- 
ship and Arts. The Commission takes pleasure in re- 
cording that at this Conference Mr. Duca gave orders, 
later graciously fulfilled, that all the papers containing 
the testimony of the Minorities should be allowed 
freely to cross the frontier without hindrance or ex- 
amination. 

The American Minister, the Hon. Peter Jay, gave a 
luncheon to the members of the Commission, who ex- 
pressed their deep sense of gratitude to him and to the 
British Minister, Sir Herbert Dering, for the interest 
they had taken in the work of the Commission, and for 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 21 


their help in facilitating the approach to the Govern- 
ment in Bucharest. 

The Commission wishes to guard the public against 
erroneous views of its mission, which have been circu- 
lated in the press. As an illustration of the sort of 
thing that has been printed, two instances are given. A 
Budapest newspaper published the statement that a 
member of the Commission had been arrested by the 
Roumanian authorities at the frontier and imprisoned. 
This was quite untrue. The members of the Commis- 
sion received nothing but courtesy during the whole of 
their stay in Roumania. Another report stated that 
members of the Commission had in Bucharest expressed 
their entire satisfaction with the condition of the 
Minorities. This also is untrue, as the report of the 
Commission submitted to the Roumanian Government 
indicates grave causes of dissatisfaction which were 
noted by all members of the Commission. And further, 
the present occasion is the first on which any part of 
this Report has been made public. 

It remains only to make a few comments on the 
reports of previous Commissions. Several were records 
of brief visits and related to conditions which have 
altered, and in some respects improved. In ‘Transyl- 
vania in 1922” an effort was made to depict the life and 
institutions of these Minority groups. No such effort is 
attempted here. ‘The Commission assumes on the part 
of those who will read this report some familiarity with 
the beauty and the pathos of Transylvanian life, some 
vision of the broad and fertile plains, the little villages 


22 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


with their white farmhouses and red-tiled roofs, and 
the towns grouped around their ancient schools and 
churches. The life of one of the most alluring country- 
sides in the world made its deep appeal to the members 
of the Commission, as it must appeal to every traveler. 
The impression gained through contact with the Rou- 
manian, the Magyar, and the Saxon life throughout this 
fertile land is that unless a solution can be found for the 
present problems, racial and linguistic, religious and 
economic, it will continue to be one of the saddest lands 
in Europe, and a menacing danger-spot for the peace 
of the world. The burden of responsibility for the 
present and future lies in a measure upon the attitude 
of the Minorities, but especially upon the Roumanian 
Government, which by the terms of the Trianon Treaty 
doubled its territory and also doubled its solemn respon- 
sibilities. 

In conclusion, the Commission emphasizes with all 
possible force that while the testimony is thorough as 
far as it goes, and was collected with most scrupulous 
and painstaking care and exactitude, it is none the less 
neither exhaustive nor complete. Instead, it is typical 
and symptomatic and capable of almost endless ampli- 
fication. 

The Commission begs to submit that the present re- 
port can by no means be considered the conclusion of 
the whole matter. In the grave issues pending between 
the Roumanian Government and the Minority peoples, 
it must be understood that the affliated churches in 
Great Britain and the United States have a duty to per- 


IN TRANSYLVANIA pf 


form just so long as the present conditions obtain. ‘The 
Commission therefore urges upon churches and soci- 
eties the continuance for the present of their financial 
aid to the Minority churches. The Commission be- 
lieves that the American Committee on the Rights of 
Religious Minorities and other similar agencies, while 
not presuming to interfere in any respect with the rights 
that pertain to the civil government of Roumania, 
should so far as possible continue both to inform and 
to focus public opinion, to the end that equity for all 
shall be the policy of the Roumanian Government in 
dealing with these problems. We respectfully urge 
that the afhliated institutions keep in touch with both 
the parties interested, and seek every possible way of 
mutual co-operation to bring about amicable adjust- 
ments. ‘This will take time, but with perseverance it 
can ultimately be accomplished. ‘The entire civilized 
world is deeply concerned in the settlement of the 
issues involved. 

The Report was compiled by Dr. Cornish in collab- 
oration with other members of the Commission. 


TO) THEIR EXCELLENCIES ST ELH Ethane 
MINISTERS’ OF STATE OF THE 
ROUMANIAN GOVERNMENT: 


THE MEMORANDUM OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN 
COMMISSION OF 1924 To THE MINORITY 
CHURCHES OF [TRANSYLVANIA 


Several Commissions concerned about the welfare of 
the four churches formerly supported by the Hungarian 
State have visited Transylvania since 1919, represent- 
ing the affectionate interest felt by the sister churches 
of the Transylvanian Lutheran, Presbyterian or Re- 
formed, Roman Catholic, and Unitarian Churches 
throughout the British Empire and the United States. 
These Commissions have failed to be satisfied that the 
Roumanian Government has yet fulfilled the provisions 
of the Trianon Treaty guaranteeing the rights of the 
Minority churches. Their reports have been widely 
circulated in both the British Empire and the United 
States and have caused much comment unfavorable to 
Roumania. 

The American Committee on the Rights of Religious 
Minorities, composed of men of international repute 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 25 


and belonging to all denominations, both Roman Cath- 
olic and Protestant, decided to send a Joint Commis- 
sion to Transylvania in the summer of 1924, impar- 
tially and without prejudice, to learn what are the 
present conditions. Invitations were sent to the British 
Churches also to send delegates. 

As organized, the Commission of 1924 consists of 
the Rev. Sylvester W. Beach, M.A., D.D., Minister of 
the Presbyterian Church of Princeton, New Jersey, 
Chairman of the Committee on Work in Europe of 
the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the 
World holding the Presbyterian System, representing 
also the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian 
Churches of the United States of America; the Rev. 
Charles E. Schaeffer, M.A., D.D., General Secretary 
and Executive of the Board of Home Missions of the 
Reformed Church of the United States of America, 
Chairman of the Delegation of the Reformed Church 
in the Council of the Churches of Christ in America, 
and also a delegate of the World Alliance above men- 
tioned; the Rev. Arthur S. Hurn, M.A., Litt.D., Min- 
ister of the Great Meeting, Leicester, England, Presi- 
dent of the North Midland Presbyterian and Unitarian 
Association, representing the British and Foreign Uni- 
tarian Association; and the Rev. Louis C. Cornish, 
M.A., D.D., Chairman of the Commission, General 
Secretary and Executive of the American Unitarian 
Association, representing the Unitarian Churches of 
the United States and the Dominion of Canada. The 
Commission has the honor to represent a constituent 


26 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


membership in the Churches of at least sixty million 
persons in the British Empire and the United States. 

The Report of the Commission will be accepted as 
decisive testimony concerning the Roumanian treat- 
ment of the Minority churches and institutions. The 
Commission therefore takes with the utmost serious- 
ness the great responsibility for the wide publicity 
which will attend the publication of its report, and 
respectfully urges the Roumanian Government to make 
an early investigation of the alleged abuses herewith 
submitted. “The Commission further respectfully re- 
quests the Roumanian Government to state explicitly 
what corrections it has been able to make, wherever 
after investigation the alleged facts shall have been 
substantiated. 

The Commission must publish its report at the earli- 
est possible moment, and it therefore respectfully re- 
quests that a reply be sent to the Chairman of the Com- 
mission before Oct. 15th, 1924. It should be addressed 
to the Rev. Louis C. Cornish, D.D., at 25 Beacon 
Street, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 

The Commission is aware that some, and perhaps 
many, of the irregularities alleged in the Memorandum 
herewith submitted may require time to redress, and it 
therefore respectfully requests the Roumanian Gov- 
ernment to give assurance that the same policy of jus- 
tice shall be pursued in dealing with these protracted 
cases as in the instances where immediate redress can 
be given. 

The Commission records with much appreciation 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 27 


the cordial welcome given upon its arrival at Bucharest, 
and notes with satisfaction that the High Ministers of 
State approved the plan of the Commission to hear 
the testimony of the Minority representatives, and 
further that they placed at the disposal of the Com- 
mission every facility for making a thorough and im- 
partial investigation. 

The Commission takes pleasure in recording the gen- 
eral testimony that conditions have improved since the 
visit of the Anglo-American Unitarian Commission of 
1922, and the visit of the Representatives of the Pres- 
byterian and Reformed Churches during the same year. 

The Commission has endeavored to group the exist- 
ing difficulties as follows :— 

I. The new law compelling societies to submit their 
statutes to the Ministry, and also to obtain permission 
to hold meetings, is held by many to work great hard- 
ship for the Minority groups. It is alleged that these 
laws interfere seriously with denominational meetings 
of many kinds, including those for prayer and for 
social purposes, and that in effect they contradict the 
guarantee of freedom of assembly for the Minority de- 
nominations in their religious life and work. 

II. Alleged cases of personal abuse on the part of 
officials have been reported to the Commission. We 
respectfully ask for an investigation of these com- 
plaints, and if they are found to be true, for the definite 
punishment of the offending officials. ‘There exists a 
widespread belief that it is useless and even dangerous 
for the Minorities to complain of the violence, insult, 


28 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


and corruption alleged against the officials in many 
towns and villages. The Commission respectfully 
points out that nothing would be more certain to dispel 
this belief than the punishment of officials proved guilty 
of misdemeanors, and nothing would be more certain 
to silence the present criticism of the Roumanian treat- 
ment of the Minorities. 

Iii. While the Commission refrains from express- 
ing any opinion as to how far the stipulations of the 
Trianon Treaty might modify the Roumanian admin- 
istration of education in its relation to the Confessional 
Schools, it respectfully submits, provided the facts are 
as alleged, that in maintaining the Confessional Schools 
the Minorities suffer much hardship in their attempt to 
provide an education in harmony with their religious 
convictions. | 

IV. ‘The Commission refrains from expressing any 
opinion as to whether the lands belonging to the Minor- 
ity churches and schools can under the terms of the 
Trianon Treaty be properly included within the scope 
of the laws redistributing the land under the Rouma- 
nian Agrarian Reform. Within the application of these 
laws, however, it is alleged that there are many cases 
of discrimination against the Minority churches and 
schools, the particulars of which appear in the memo- 
randum. | 

V. The Commission submits alleged cases of inter- 
ference with the guaranteed rights of Minorities, which 
are unrelated to each other and do not fall into any of 
the four groups already named. Detailed statements 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 29 


of these five classifications are herewith submitted. ‘The 
Commission desires respectfully to make plain that 
by no means all the testimony received in Transylvania 
has been included in these representations. Only the 
instances which appear to be substantiated by the testi- 
mony of credible witnesses, and often many credible 
witnesses, are submitted. —[The Commission desires also 
to explain that so far as possible it has eliminated all 
testimony relating to incidents which happened more 
than two years ago. 

The Commission with appreciation recalls the as- 
surance of the High Roumanian Ministers of State 
given in Bucharest that a full and fair investigation of 
these alleged facts will be made as soon as possible, and 
that wherever they are proved to be true, the injustices 
will be corrected and the wrong-doers punished. 


(Signed) Sylvester W. Beach. 
(Signed) Louis C. Cornish. 
(Signed) Arthur S. Hurn. 
(Signed) Charles E. Schaeffer. 


Respectfully submitted to the High Roumanian Mini- 
sters of State by 


Seer Cota, SED oO 2 


London, England. Chairman of the Anglo 
August Ist, 1924. American Commission of 1924. 










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THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 31 


TO THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVES 
OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN CHURCHES 


THE ANSWER TO THE MEMORANDUM OF AUGUST 
10TH, 1924, on THE Minority CHURCHES 


OF TRANSYLVANIA 





Cabinet du Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres. 
Bucharest, October 28, 1924. 


The Rev. Dr. Louis C. Cornisu, D.D. 
Beacon Street 25, 
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. A. 


Dear Sir, 

I have the honor of sending you herewith the 
answer to the different points of the Memorandum of 
August 10th, according to the promise which was given 
to you. 

Begging you to be so kind as to let me know if it 
would be possible to you to communicate the contents 
of that answer to the other distinguished Representa- 
tives of the American Churches who take an interest 
in it, 

I remain, Dear Sir, 


Yours very truly, 





Head of the Cabinet. 








IN TRANSYLVANIA 33 


*ToO THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVES 
OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN CHURCHES :— 


We have the honor of forwarding herewith a de- 
tailed answer on the various points which you brought 
to our notice, according to the statement I had the ad- 
vantage of making on the occasion of your visit to 
Bukarest. 

Although the Roumanian State doesnot acknowledge 
that anyone has the right to interfere in its internal 
affairs, otherwise than in pursuance of the formal provi- 
sions of the treaties which it has signed, it is always 
ready to contribute towards enlightening those ‘‘bona- 
fide’”’ persons who wish to be informed as to the real 
situation in Roumania. 

Weare the more especially pleased to forward these 
particulars as we consider that the accusations brought 
against Roumania, proceed from her enemies, who have 
every interest to slander her, and that, consequently, 
she can only gain by a true light being thrown on the 
state of affairs. 

Likewise the Roumanian State is conscious, that in 
the question of minorities, its policy is animated by the 
broadest spirit of tolerance and liberalism, and in con- 
sequence we see no reason for not expounding openly 
its acts and its intentions. 

It is possible that in the application of this policy, 

*The reply of the Roumanian Government was received by the 
Commission as it is here presented. A few slight inaccuracies occur 


in the English and punctuation, due doubtless to the mistakes of the 
translator or copyist in Bucharest. The reply is printed verbatim. 


34 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


some mistakes may have been made by certain subaltern 
agents, especially in the troubled times we are going 
through; but the Roumanian Government is firmly 
decided to put an end to them immediately it is in- 
formed. 

In this feeling we send you the matter we have 
gathered and hope you also will examine it under the 
light which the above consideration throws on it. 


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 


The Government, in order to be as fully and impar- 
tially informed, in the smallest details, has undertaken 
at the same time a close investigation, through its 
administrative organs, and has also applied for infor- 
mation from the heads of the minority religions. 

The cause why the answer to the memorandum was 
so long in coming, is owing to the fact that the Uni- 
tarian and Reformed religion Bishops needed time in 
order to collect, the information which the Govern- 
ment wanted from them, so as to be able to throw a true 
light on the whole matter and judge rightly. 

The following facts acknowledged by the Reformed 
Bishop of Cluj and forming the object of his letter 
No. 7448 of September 19th 1924 are characteristi- 
cal. He says: “I knew nothing about any of these 
complaints having been set forth, and most of these 
circumstances are completely unknown to me.” As 
well as the Unitary Bishops’ answer in his letter dated 
September 13th 1924 No. 2481 in which he says: 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 35 


‘Immediately I receive the exact data, which I am un- 
able to give you now, from my Central office, as they 
were handed to the Anglo-American Delegation, by the 
different parishes, I will forward them to you.’’* 

These facts formally confessed, prove that not even 
the ecclesiastical authorities, who were directly inter- 
ested in the matter, had any knowledge of the facts 
which form the object of the memoir. 


Bishop Nagy (Reformed Church) accompanied one 
section of the deputation on its journeys in Transyl- 
vania, and presided at all the meetings with the repre- 
sentatives of the Minorities, except the meetings at 
Cluj. There Bishop Ferencz (Unitarian), the senior 
Bishop of the Minority churches, presided at all the 
conferences with the representatives of the four 
Minority groups. Bishop Nagy was present at all 
these conferences and participated. See Introduction, 


pages 18 and 19, 


* The notes in italics inserted in the Reply are the 
comments of the Commission. 


36 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


SECTION I 


ALLEGED INTERFERENCE WITH THE GUARANTEED 
RIGHT OF ASSEMBLY 


1. It is alleged that at Bagin, Turda District, on 
Jan. 8th, 1922, a meeting for religious instruction, 
singing hymns and psalms, was held in the Parish Hall 
in accordance with a general order for such meetings 
sent from the Chief Consistory to all the Unitarian 
Churches. The Primar of the village went into the 
meeting and told the Pastor that it could not continue. 
The Pastor produced the law showing that such meet- 
ings might be held and without special permission. The 
Primar replied in effect that he was ruler (boss) of the 
village and that if any persons dared to attend such 
meetings he would expel them from the country. The 
Pastor reported the whole matter to the Bishop, and 
the Primar to the Minister of Cults. The Pastor paid 
the Primar 200 lei, and the meetings were allowed to 
continue, but few persons dared attend. 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 37 


SECTION I 


ROUMANIAN REPLY TO ALLEGED INTERFERENCE 
WITH THE GUARANTEED RIGHT oF ASSEMBLY 


First of all it must be well understood that the law 
ruling juridical persons, under which all companies are 
bound to submit their statutes to the respective Minis- 
try do not apply exclusively to the minorities, but is a 
general law for all the inhabitants of the land, without 
any distinction as to nationality or religion. 

As regards the meetings of the different minority 
religions we give the most formal assurance, that they 
have the fullest liberty to hold all kinds of meetings 
provided in their statutes, and if in the past it may have 
happened that subaltern organs have prevented a meet- 
ing supposed to have other than religious objects, the 
Government has always taken proper lawful steps. 

Vo in) this’ matter’ the \prefect’,jof) the |.district 
sends us the following report: “At Bagin the Unitarian 
priest Kovaci Imre holds meetings in the evenings 
twice a week between 9-10 o’clock, without asking for 
an authorization. [he mayor loan Luca, doing his 
duty entered the meeting room to control, and was 
turned out and abused by the priest himself, with the 
following words: “I don’t care for the Minister nor 
the Prime Pretor,—here I give orders.’ Conse- 
quently the priest Kovaci was punished with a 200 lei 
fine (after a regular trial). This fine, sanctioned by the 
subprefectura, was paid in to the mayor of the com- 


38 ALLEGATION 


2. It is alleged that at Moldovenesti, Turda Dis- 
trict, on June 9th, 1924, permission was given by 
county authorities for a dancing party. It was broken 
up by local gendarmes who gave as reason that the 
youths had not worked enough on the gendarmes’ 
land. 

3. It is alleged that at Dambau, Tarnava District, 
the Pastor was compelled to ask permission for all 
meetings, except Sunday worship, and for six months 
since January, 1924, no permission has been given, and 
no meetings held. 


REPLY 39 


mune according to the regulations, so that there can 
be no question of bribery. 

It is to be observed that in January, 1922, when this 
happened the commune was in the zone under martial 
law, and any meeting of three or more persons, with- 
out leave from the authorities was _ prohibited. 

Even the Unitarian Bishop in his note No. 2793 of 
October the 20th, 1922, acknowledges that the priest 
was called to the Prime Pretor’s office, and that by a 
judgment of Sept. 10th, 1922, he was fined 200 lei, 
for an outrage against the authorities. Therefore 
there was no question of bribery, but of a fine inflicted 
by a valid judgment. 

2. The investigations proved that at Moldoven- 
esti the police never prevented the young people from 
dancing in the commune, nor was any order ever given 
to that purpose. ‘There could also have been no ques- 
tion of young men being compelled to work the gen- 
darme’s lands, as the commune of Moldovenesti has 
not the least plot of ground or garden. 

The complaint does not necessarily apply to com- 
munal land, but to any garden plot which the gen- 
darmes might have been cultivating. 

3. As regards these facts the Prefect reports: 

In the whole territory of the district of Tarnava 
Mica never was a leave refused to anyone for a meet- 
ing. The Priest of Dambau never asked leave for a 
meeting, either from the Prefect, nor from the Pre- 
tors, nor from the police, nor did he make any com- 
plaint. Therefore all the accusations set down under 


40 ALLEGATION 


4. Itis alleged that at Arcus, Treiscaune, District, 
in March, 1924, meetings of the Francis David Asso- 
ciation were stopped by order of the Prefect, although 
plainly within the law. 

5. Itis alleged that at Pauleni, Odorheiu District, 
meetings of the Culture Clubs were forbidden except 
on Sundays, when it was most inconvenient. The Uni- 
tarian Consistory appealed. The answer was given 
that meetings could be held on Sundays only. 

6. It is alleged that at Firtuseni, Cristur District, 
in March, 1924, the Prefect of Odorheiu advised the 
pastor not to hold meetings of the Francis David Asso- 
ciation until its constitution had been approved, and no 
further meetings can be held. 


REPLY 41 


heading No. 1, are proved to be without any founda- 
tion. 

4. The Prefect of the district states that the meet- 
ings were never stopped by him, or by either, neither 
verbally nor in writing. 


5. As regards this paragraph, the Unitarian 
Bishop of Cluj answers us as follows: In the commune 
of Pauleni in the district of Odorhei, there is no eccle- 
siastical Unitary community, therefore it is not a fact 
that the Unitary consistory sent in a complaint. 


Probably through a mistake of the copyist this in- 
stance of alleged abuse was given as Unitarian when 
it may have belonged to one of the other three Min- 
ority groups. The Commission acknowledges the 


error. 

6. It was urged under this heading that the Prefect 
of Odorhei prevented the meetings of the Francis 
David Society. On this point the Unitarian Bishop 
owns that the prefect gave no orders concerning the 
meetings of this Society, but that the Unitary Priest, 
reminded the honorary Prime Pretor Revoiu, verbally 
that he would like to create a branch of this Society, 
and the Prime Pretor answered him, likewise verbally, 
that no society may be established without having its 
statutes approved by the Ministry. ‘This proves that 
the complaint was not founded, as the formalities laid 
down by the law were not carried out, for creating 
a branch, and the whole matter is reduced to a private 
conversation between the Priest and the Prime Pretor. 


42 ALLEGATION 


7. It is alleged that in Targul-Sacnasc, Treiscaune 
District, the Reformed and Roman Catholic Churches 
held a festival for common church purposes, but the 
Officers gave permission only when the churches paid 
1000 lei for Jancu-Statue-Fund, for which they did not 
give a receipt. 

8. It is alleged that the professors of the seven 
ancient Transylvanian Reformed Colleges wished to 
create a small society in which they could discuss their 
material and spiritual affairs. Ihe Minister did not 
grant permission, on the ground that it might lead to 
denominational friction. 

9. It is alleged that at Uiaora, Alba Inferiore Dis- 
trict, on February 24th, 1924, a gendarme prevented 
the holding of a Reformed Church meeting until the 
Prefect gave permission, which was not required by 
the law. It is alleged that gendarmes are constantly 
interfering with members of the Reformed Churches 
in their religious work, without cause. 

10. It is alleged that at Moldovenesti, Turda Dis- 
trict, on June 7th, 1924, permission for a meeting of 
the Francis David Association was received from Baia 
de Aries. Two gendarmes ordered the minister to stop 
the meeting, but having official permission he refused. 
The gendarmes then broke up the meeting. 


REPLY 43 


The Commission submits in this connection that the 
constant complaint of the Minorities was to the effect 
that written orders were often refused by the Rou- 
manian officials and they had to content themselves 
with verbal orders, which later on the Roumanian 
officials would deny having given. 

7. On this point the Prefect gives us the follow- 
ing answer, that there is no trace of the police having 
issued the authorization only upon receiving 1000 lei 
for the Avram Iancu statue. What is more the state- 
ment does not point out the time, or the persons 
cheated. On the contrary, according to the declara- 
tions of the Hungarian Priests of Targul Secuilor, 
on file in this office, it will be seen that this affirmation 
is totally unfounded. 

We repeat: These statements are made by the 
Reformed Priest, by the Romano Catholic Priest, and 
by the Head of the local police. 

8. The statutes could not be sanctioned for the 
reason that the necessary formalities required by law 
for this kind of associations were not fulfilled. 

9. What we repeated here show clearly, that if an 
inferior organ committed an illegal act, and those 
concerned, (as in this case) applied to the competent 
authority, the fact was looked into, and has been set 
right. We are sure that if the minorities had applied 
in all these matters to the competent superior authori- 
ties many misunderstandings would be avoided. 

10. We have no knowledge of this case, if the gen- 
darmes have made any difhculties this is due to the 


44 ALLEGATION 


11. It was stated to the Commission by the ac- 
credited representatives of the Reformed, Roman 
Catholic, and Lutheran Churches, both Saxon and 
Magyar, that constant interference with their denomi- 
national meetings by local Roumanian authorities, 
without cause and without the sanction of the law, 
greatly hampered their religious work. Lists of specific 
instances were promised, but have not yet been received 
by the Commission. _ 


REPLY 45 


fact, that the Priest did not inform the police as to 
the day and the hour of the meeting. 


No answer is given to Paragraph 11. 


46 ALLEGATION 


SECTION II 


ALLEGED INSTANCES OF VIOLENCE AND THE 
CORRUPTION OF OFFICIALS 


1. It is alleged that on or about July 15th, 1923, 
Domokos Sofalvi, the Unitarian Pastor of Cechesti, 
Cristur District, was walking home from the village of 
Avramesti when he met two gendarmes, one the Plu- 
tonel Achim of Avramesti. The Plutonel dismounted 
and struck the Pastor on both sides of the face, calling 
him Bolshevik and Irredentist. He said he was the 
Pastor of the next village and after further abuse he 
was allowed to proceed. The only witness of the blows 
was the other gendarme, who is not identified. Com- 
plaint was made to the Prime Praetor of Cristur, but 
the gendarme did not appear at the trial. On appeal 
to the District Court the Plutonel denied that he had 
struck the Pastor. 

2. It is alleged that in October, 1923, a workman, 
Arpad Fabian, sent a turkey to be sold by his wife in 
the market place of Oraseni, Odorheiu District. The 
wife of the chief of police, Nicolai Crucuin, agreed to 
buy it for 130 lei. The young son of Arpad carried 
the turkey to the home of the chief of police and was 
given 30 lei. Arpad Fabian then went to the home 
to ask for the balance of the payment and was badly 
beaten by Nicolai Crucuin. 


REPLY a7 


SECTION II 


ALLEGED CASES OF VIOLENCE AND CORRUPTION ON 
THE PART OF THE AUTHORITIES 


In a general way we may observe that the Rou- 
manian government never tolerated the public officials 
to abuse of their position, and to commit illegal acts 
against the inhabitants of the country of whatever 
religion or nationality without inflicting proper punish- 
ment. In fact it will be easy to find, from the fol- 
lowing relation that the charges brought against the 
government officials, are simple insinuations made in 
order to lead the Delegation into error. The very 
fact that the superior church authorities, know nothing 
to this moment of the alleged abuses committed by the 
public officials, proves sufficiently that these complaints 
are made in evil intention. 


See the reference to the Bishops and accompanying 
footnote on pages 18 and 19. 


1. Inreference to this the Unitarian Bishop of Cluj 
informs us that this case was judged by the justice of the 
peace on November 13th, 1923, and is now pending 
before the Tribunal of Odorhei. The Bishop further 
informs us, that the Prefect of the District has also 
investigated the case on the spot, questioning the under 
officer who denies the fact of which he is accused. 

2. Weesteem that such an act cannot be considered 
as an injustice committed to a person in quality of mem- 


48 ALLEGATION 


3. It is alleged that at Bodogaia, Cristur District, 
in January, 1924, a meeting for adults in the Unitarian 
Church ordered to be held by the Bishop and Chief 
Consistory at Cluj was broken up by the gendarme, 
Juon Oltean, of Sacueni, who threatened to lock up in 
a cellar all who attended. 

4. Itis alleged that in February, 1924, at Oraseni, 
Odorheiu District, a party of boys were singing in the 
village street, when they were attacked by three gen- 
darmes and beaten with rifle butts. 


REPLY 49 


ber of the minority. The citizen’s duty was to appeal 
to the authorities. But we have Mr. Arpad Fabian’s 
statement, that the allegation is not true. Besides 
that, the Prefect tells us that an action for libel has been 
introduced against the Maghiar paper ‘‘Brassoi 
Lapok,” which was the first to publish the news. 

3. In reference to the facts included herein, we are 
informed by the Unitarian Bishop that it was not the 
Bishop or the Unitarian consistory which called the 
meeting of the members of the Unitarian Church, but 
the Priest who wanted to hold a meeting without com- 
plying to the rules imposed on all citizens. The Priest 
has the right of holding without a license, only the 
church meetings provided by the laws of the Unitarian 
Church, while for all other meetings he must have the 
permission of the authorities. On this point the Pre- 
fect declares that no meeting was ever closed. 

4. In reference to this case, the Unitarian Priest 
Josef Baro who was present makes the following 
statement :— 

On the occasion of the visit of the Anglo-American 
Delegation being told that whatever complaint we have 
to make we are to declare it, I mentioned as an insig- 
nificant fact, that the gendarmes had dispersed a group 
of youngsters who were singing in the street at night 
time, without ill treating them; at the same time I told 
the Delegation not to consider this as a complaint. 
Against the administration we have had nor have 
we anything to complain of. 


50 ALLEGATION 


5. It is alleged that in March, 1924, Plutonel 
Crisan, of Adamos, District of Tarnava, with other 
gendarmes arrested Mr. Coloman Rykozj, Reformed 
Pastor of Schomfalas, Mr. Szasg, the teacher, and a 
retired Hungarian Colonel of Gendarmes. The three 
prisoners were taken to the Gendarmerie at Adamos 
and there were severely beaten with rifle butts and 
sticks. The following day Crisan went to their houses 
and by threats forced them to sign a declaration that 
they had suffered no outrage. 

6. It is alleged that in March, 1924, the Plutonel 
Crisan, as above, arrested Mr. Elemir Daniel, Mr. 
Mihely Daniel, Dr. Keozeg Ferencz, and Mr. Joseph 
Balazs, taking them to a room in the town hall at Gal- 
felam, where they were badly beaten. They were also 
forced to sign a declaration that they had suffered no 
outrage. 


REPLY 51 


§. The inquiries made at Sanfalau, establish that 
nobody was beaten; and the Prefect of the District 
reports as follows: The supposed facts under point 
2, happened in March, 1923, and not in 1924, when the 
incidents at the Hungarian frontier happened, which 
provoked the proclamation of martial law, and a par- 
tial mobilization. 

In Sanfalau the Hungarians were late in coming 
to military concentration, and when the fact was looked 
into, it was found that the Reformed Priest, Solomon 
Rakossy and a former Hungarian colonel of the gen- 
darmes, assembled the Hungarians in the Church, 
where the counsel was held. Being suspected with good 
reason of instigation in these abnormal times they had 
to be questioned at the ofhce of the gendarmes, and 
having refused to go there, they had to be conveyed two 
kilometres to be heard, and the documents forwarded 
te the public prosecutor to be looked into. 

6. The inquiries made in this question and the Pre- 
fect’s statements are as follows: In 1923 Mr. Elemer 
Daniel after the publishing of the District Commission 
decision, for the Agrarian reform, declared before the 
Commission in Hungarian “This is a law made by rob- 
bers!” The gendarmes questioned him and drew up 
the proper documents. ‘The others pointed out were 
examined in the same way because in March of 1923 
and not of 1924 were found to have assembled secretly 
in the Commune of Sanfalau. This was also in martial 
law and military concentration days. 

They were not beaten, as they own themselves. 


52 ALLEGATION 


7. It is alleged that at Adamos, the Plutonel 
Crisan, as above, gives permission for assemblies on 
condition that the church people work on his land and 
without payment, and that this officer has enriched him- 
self by corrupt practices, and is greatly feared. 

8. Itis alleged that in March, 1924, Joseph Bann, 
member of the Unitarian Church in Bodogaia, Cristur 
District, was beaten by the gendarme Juon Olten, of 
Sacueni, and illegally deprived of 500 lei. Application 
was made to the Court in April, 1924, but without 
result. 

9. It is alleged that at Jara de Jos, Turda-Aries 
District, on June 8th and 9th, 1924, a number of Uni- 
tarians were ordered to convey Roumanian singers in 
their farm carts to Turda. No payment was given. 
The Unitarians were obliged to miss their service and 
communion of Whitsunday, Pentecost. 

10. Itis alleged that Isban Sandor, Presbyter of the 
Unitarian Church at Jara de Jos, District of Turda- 
Aries, left his mother in his house in the village and 
went away for a short time. He returned on June 8th, 
1924, and found the Praetor Vasilie Rosu living in his 
house. On asking for his furniture the Praetor beat 
him about the head with a stick. His wounds were seen 
by the Unitarian Pastor. 

11. Itis alleged that at Racosul de Jos, Alba de Sus 
District, on June 24th, 1924, the Plutonel of Gen- 
darmes ordered people to keep a festival and to put out 
flags. This was a caprice, as there was no Roumanian 
anniversary, and no flag appeared on the Gendarmes’ 
house. 


REPLY 53 


7. After proper inquiry, it was found that the 
under officer, Crisan is a poor man, and conscientious 
in carrying out his duty; formerly a Hungarian gen- 
darme; the medal for faithful service was awarded to 
him and he is consequently in the black looks of the 
Hungarians. It is not true that he claimed that the 
members of the church should work for him without 
being paid. 

8. On this point the Prefect reports that the guilt 
of the gendarme has not been proved. However, as it 
was found that he did not fulfill his duty to the satis- 
faction of the population, at the Prefect’s request, he 
was removed. ‘The Unitarian Bishop himself owns 
that the gendarme did not take any money from Mr. 
Josef Ben. 

9. The conveyance of the singers mentioned here 
was effected by carriage, driven chiefly by Roumanians, 
by mutual agreement between the local authorities and 
the peasants. 

10. Istvan Sandor entered violently by night, into 
the Praetor Rosu’s house, who is a State official, abus- 
ing and striking him. ‘The case is pending before the 
Justice of the Peace, of Tara de jos. The house was 
requisitioned by the proper commission, according to 
law. 

11. The inquiry shows that no one was ever obliged 
to put up the flag. 


54 ALLEGATION 


12. Itis alleged that at Mujna, Odorheiu District, 
and many other places similar incidents have occurred. 

13. It is alleged that at Martinus, Odorheiu Dis- 
trict, several Magyar Unitarian youths on Sunday 
June 29th, 1924, were forced by the gendarmes to 
work for them without payment, in their fields, this on 
Sunday afternoon and contrary to their religious con- 
victions. 

14. It is alleged that at Oraseni, Odorheiu Dis- 
trict, and in other neighboring villages, gendarmes 
have many times beaten boys for singing in the streets. 
This happened particularly in January and February, 
1924. 

15. Itis alleged that at Yonesti, Odorheiu District, 
in February or March, 1924, a group of young men 
and women were singing songs in a private house, when 
two gendarmes held the doors, and two other gen- 
darmes entered and beat the young men with their rifle 
butts. It is alleged that the gendarmes said no songs 
could be sung in Hungarian. The Commission was 
assured that the gathering was nothing more than an 
informal party, and that the songs sung were ‘‘folk 
songs,’ and were of no political significance. 

16. Itis alleged that on the Festivals of the Rou- 
‘manian Church, people are prevented from working on 
the fields by the gendarmes, but it often happens that 
gendarmes drive people to work on the gendarmes’ 
land on ordinary Sundays. For example, it is alleged 
that at Martinus, Odorheiu District, on June 29th, 
1924, the young people were compelled to work in the 


REPLY 55 


12. Same answer. 

13. The official report drawn up by the mayor of 
Martinus shows that the declarations are gratuitous. 

14. From the declaration made before us by the 
Unitarian Priest of the commune of Oraseni, we see 
that he made no complaint before the Anglo-American 
Delegation about the gendarmes having found young- 
sters singing in the street and beating them, and 
simply reminded that they had scatterd a group of 
lads who were singing by night time disturbing the 
inhabitants’ rest. At the same time begged the Dele- 
gation not to file this fact as constituting a complaint. 

15. ‘The Priest declares that the complaint brought 
before the American Delegation is unfounded, and that 
he only said that in the year 1920 the gendarmes dis- 
persed a group of boys and girls, who had no per- 
mission for a meeting, without striking them. We re- 
peat that at that time martial law was still in effect. 

16. An inquiry was made at Martinus which shows 
how untrue the complaint was. No kind of complaint 
was forwarded to the authorities. 


56 ALLEGATION 


fields against their religious convictions, and were pre- 
vented from taking part in the church services. It is 
further alleged that the gendarmes paid nothing to the 
young people for their work, and that the land on 
which they were forced to work, had been ploughed 
and harrowed by the Cantor of the congregation, who 
was compelled to do this by the gendarme without pay- 
ment for his labor. 

17. Itis alleged that at Cernatul de Sus, Treiscaune 
District, the Hungarian Government maintained the 
Elementary School previous to the Revolution in 1918. 
In the chaotic time of the Revolution this school was 
discontinued. Thereupon the Reformed Congregation 
started a Confessional School on the basis of the Hun- 
garian Law still valid (1868; xxxvitl.t.c. 1.8). Of 
this the Congregation sent a notice to the Government 
according to its decrees. The Government (A Mini- 
sterul Instructiunii Secretariaul General) accepted the 
notice and permitted the work of the school by the 
communication No. 10664-1921. On this basis all the 
Reformed children were enrolled in this school, so that 
the State school which was started later, had only a few 
pupils. The Government appointed to its school Hun- 
garian teachers, with a view to, and on the terms of 
their alluring the Confessional School’s pupils over to 
the Government School, by which the Confessional 
School would have been stopped. It is alleged that the 
Government teachers, on behalf of their own living, 
started the dispute, with the help of the State Officials 
and County Police, against the parents, Presbyteries, 


REPLY 57 


17. As regards the behavior of the Priest Meg- 
gyaszai, the Prefect sends the following report: It 
is true that the Secretariat General gave the due author- 
ization for a Reformed Church School in Cernatul de 
jos in 1921, but only on the condition of having a 
proper building. Now the building was quite unfit, 
which is easy to prove. The Department finding this 
to be so, by a special Commission, on the basis of the 
existing laws, closed the school. 

It is true that the Government appointed Hungarian 
teachers in the Hungarian communes, at the State 
schools, for the reason that the language for the les- 
sons is the Hungarian language, because there were no 
Roumanians who could teach in Hungarian. If Rovu- 
manians had been used, it would certainly not have 
been well. . . These Hungarian teachers have come into 
conflict with the Priests, not on our account, but be- 
cause they have been boycotted by the Hungarian 
Priests for the reason that they dared to enter the 
Roumanian service, taking the oath of allegiance. A 
regular crusade was taken up by the priests against 
these teachers; for instance, as they had been formerly 
chanters in the Hungarian churches, they were pun- 
ished for their loyal attitude towards the Roumanian 
State, by being suspended and turned out of their 
lodging as chanters. As they remained houseless a 
struggle took place between them and the Priests, in 
which they got the best of it, for the people saw that 
the Priests also took the oath when it was a question 
of getting help from the State. In the gratuitous 


58 ALLEGATION 


and the minister. On the 15th of October, 1923, the 
County Police announced that meetings of the Board 
of Studies, and Presbytery, even Bible-classes and Re- 
ligious Evening Parties, could be held only with per- 
mission, and in the presence of the County Police. 
Moreover, Michael Megyaszay, was told by the Head 
Officer of the County Police, that he could not even 
preach in the pulpit without his presence. The minister 
asked for these orders in writing, but it was denied to 
him. ‘Then the Prime Praetor of Kezdivasarhely was 
informed about a meeting of the Presbytery held previ- 
ous to the announcement, without the permission of the 
gendarmes, and the Presbyteries were fined altogether 
6,300 lei. Later on they accused the minister Meg- 
yaszay of forcing the parents to enroll their children in 
the Confessional School, that he was mocking the chil- 
dren who were going to the Government School, and 
that he was agitating against the Government School 
and through this against the State. On the ground of 
these accusations the Reformed Church Consistory was 
ordered to examine the case. 

It is alleged that on the 23rd of December, 1923, the 
head of the gendarmes went to the home of the min- 
ister and carried him by force to the Village Hall, 
where he was beaten with the help of the Praetor so 
cruelly that his body was badly swollen in many places. 
The beating was repeated five days later and still more 
cruelly so that he could not go to a doctor to have a 
certification of his injuries until after another five days. 
Then he was watched so closely that he could only make 


REPLY 59 


State schools the teaching still goes on in Hungarian, 
so that it was natural for the school children from 
Cernatul de jos, not to go to the Priests school which 
was bad and expensive. It is a wonder however to 
see what a poor proof of political wisdom, the Hun- 
garians gave in bringing up this case of the Priest Meg- 
gyaszai, of Cernatul de Jos, who-openly made a show 
of the most antipatriotic propaganda, all the time, and 
who besides this not being quite in his right mind 
astonished even his own countrymen. This abnormal 
individual was condemned and arrested by Court Mar- 
tial for instigation. An extract from the public prose- 
cutor’s ofice shows that four criminal cases are pend- 
ing against him. This man was on bad terms with all 
the officials. He had a fight with the mayor, who was 
also a Hungarian,—it is not true either, that he was 
prevented from holding a meeting or that the gen- 
darmes beat him. 

It is not true that two gendarmes of Cernatul de Jos, 
were detached for the Priest’s residence at his expense. 
The truth is that, at mayor’s request, who is a Hun- 
garian of the commune, two gendarmes were detached 
for three days, in that commune as there was fear of a 
rising on account of the fierce instigations of the Priest, 
who had divided the commune into two sides, the Un- 
garians of the Priest’s side, and the Hungarians of the 
mayor’s side. Therefore the Priest was defended, on 
the contrary, by the gendarmes, against the Hun- 
garians. 

In another country a man like this would be 


60 ALLEGATION 


his report later on. These events stirred up the people, 
and on the 23rd of December, 1923, they made a com- 
plaint to the Prefect that he should remedy the insult. 
The Prefect promised to discharge the Praetor, but 
only on the condition that the Church should disown 
the minister. ‘This the people declined to do. Then 
the Prefect caused the members of the Presbytery to 
give up their Municipal Offices. Moreover, two county 
gendarmes were forced into the home of Mr. Meg- 
yaszay at his expense in order that they should watch 
and control him. : Since this he has been much har- 
assed and made to travel from office to office to plead 
his case. 

18. Itis alleged that in September, 1923, at Retin, 
Treiscaune District, the Prefect ordered the State 
School to be restored by a public collection, and the 
people were informed exactly how much they must 
give. The Reformed Church minister, Dr. Denes 
Jaulso, criticized this procedure. He was arrested on 
accusation of agitation, was kept in jail three days, and 
without trial was registered as ‘“‘an Agitator’ and 
“Unreliable.” It is alleged that the so-called collec- 
tion in effect was an unlawful tax levied without the 
authority of government by local officials, and that 
the treatment of the minister was an instance of 
attempted intimidation. 

19. Itis alleged that Nikolaus Volloncs, Reformed 
Minister of Naksa, was arrested in June, 1919, and 
confined for three days on the indictment that he was 
agitating against the Army. On the 18th of February, 


REPLY 61 


punished; but the Roumanian authorities, were very 
tolerant, more so even than the Hungarian population 
which at Targu Secuilor in December 1925 when the 
administrative counsel met expressed the opinion, that 
even the partisans of the Priest have enough of these 
quarrels, and that it would be desirable, for him to 
leave the commune. At the Department of Cult, from 
where the Priest drew his care there were endless com- 
plaints against him for his antipatriotic behavior. 

18. In reference to the school of Ratin, it is true 
that orders were given for repairing it on the inspect- 
or’s request, because that commune had a contract with 
the Hungarian State, in strength of which the commune 
had to carry out the repairs. It is to be noted that the 
repairs were insignificant, still the reformed Priest, Dr. 
Benes instigated the population not to repair the 
School; fact which can be proved by the Hungarians 
of the locality. At the fanatical agitation which he 
provoked, the population assaulted the Prime Pretor 
Ion Giurgiu who had arrived on the premises. For 
this act the instigating priest was maintained under 
arrest by the Surety Department, after which the pre- 
fect set him free at the request of his relations. 

Therefore the fee imposed was lawful, and the 
Priest, if he had not enjoyed the Prefect’s favor, would 
have been locked up. 

19. At Macsa no meeting was prohibited, and Mr. 
Wolloncs the reformed priest, has an inveterate hatred 
for Roumania. Nevertheless the local administra- 
tion for the love of peace, continues to overlook many 
actions, that might not be expected from a loyal citizen. 


62 ALLEGATION 


1921, when he was continuing his work among young 
people who were having a rehearsal for theatricals, he 
was carried to the Gendarme Station and was cruelly 
beaten so that blood flowed from his nose and mouth. 
No punishment was given the gendarmes, but Valloncs 
was forbidden by the Prime Praetor to hold any meet- 
ings with his young people. 

20. It is alleged that in 1923 Bela Kelemen of 
Targul-Sacuescu, lost 4000 lei in the market place. The 
gendarmes caused Louis Toth, of Lemheny, to repay 
it, although he was not even accused by Kelemen. The 
gendarmes shared in the money which Toth was forced 
to pay after having been threatened. 

21. It is alleged that the constable of Targul-Sa- 
cuesc, ITreiscaune District, bought a fabric in a neigh- 
boring village, but never paid for it. When the seller 
demanded his money he was forced to give a written 
declaration that the constable owed him nothing. This 
case was related by Dr. Gavril Jancro, Public Notary. 

22. It is alleged that Charles Kiss, professor of a 
State school in Kezdivasarhely, appealed for his pen- 
sion. His wife had been very active in the Reformed 
Church Institutions. He was recommended in April, 
1923, courteously but pressingly that his wife should 
give up this work. This she had to do. 

23. It is alleged that in February, 1923, Ilokna 
Marton, a woman professor of music in a Government 
School, was forbidden to present music pieces in the 
Church. 

24. Mrs. Denes Molnar of Kezdivasarhely, was 


REPLY 63 


20. The prefect of the district declares that he 
refuses to answer such absurdities. 

21. The statements included under this heading, 
were communicated to the Delegation, by the public 
notary Gavril Iancso, who now gives his statements 
by writing, as follows: “I never told any one that a 
judge of Targul Secuesc, bought a fabric or another 
house, and that this purchaser never paid the price to 
the vendor, but obliged him to deliver a deed, proving 
the payment of the price. I repeat that I do not do 
such things. ‘This cannot be true, for the simple rea- 
son that in Targul Secuesc there is no judge who has 
bought a fabric any where round about, which can be 
proved by real property registers.” ‘This statement 
we have by us. 

22. Itis not true that the schoolmaster Carol Kiss, 
of Targul Secuesc asked to be pensioned, and that he 
was asked, as a condition, to make his wife cease her 
activity at the women’s meetings. The fact is, that 
although 70 years old, Mr. Kiss used his influence re- 
questing not to be pensioned, and is serving to this day. 

23. It is impossible to answer to this point, for it 
is not shown the place nor the country where the school- 
mistress lives. 

24. It is true that the Subprefect refused to give 
Mrs. Molnar Denes a passport, on the grounds that her 
husband is involved in a corn fraud to a value of 
900,000 lei, which he made the town of ‘argu Secuilor 
lose, when he was mayor (1918-1921). 


64 ALLEGATION 


denied a passport to Czecho-Slovakia, because her hus- 
band, Dr. Denes Molnar, was suspected of irredentism. 

25. Itis alleged that at Darjiu, Odorheiu District, 
in October, 1923, at an inn, a Magyar named Majlath 
and a gendarme named Uliesul-Kanyad, were drinking 
and quarreling, and that the gendarme killed the 
Magyar. It is further alleged that the gendarme was 
not punished, but merely transferred to the neighbor- 
ing town of Porumbeni-Mare. 


REPLY 65 


25. The complaint is obscure, as the names of the 
person and the names of the communes are mixed up. 
The fact is this: the chief of the gendarmes station, 
Majlat, shot the citizen Eugen Papp in the commune 
of Uliesul, being in a state of legitimate defence. 
The man died. ‘The case is pending before the Mar- 
tial Court. 


66 ALLEGATION 


SEC PION Phil 


THE RIGHTS OF THE CONFESSIONAL SCHOOLS 


The Commission respectfully submits that in inten- 
sity of feeling aroused and in the sense of great danger, 
no question in the judgment of the Minorities exceeds 
in importance that of the situation of their Confes- 
sional Schools. From an enormous mass of testimony, 
the Commission has selected only the more important 
considerations, which are summarized as follows: 

(1) Denial of the freedom of choice of schools. 

(2) The closing of Confessional Schools. 

(3) The Roumanization of Schools and Pupils. 

(4) Examinations and Diplomas. 

(5) Other school complaints. 


1. DENIAL OF THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE OF SCHOOLS 


Decrees 100088 and 100090-1923 of the Min- 
istry of Public Instruction forbid pupils to attend the 
schools of another Minority denomination than that to 
which their parents belong. The Commission is in- 
formed that the Roumanian Government admits the 
right to maintain Minority Confessional Schools, but 
not that of joint schools of more than one denomina- 
tion. [he Commission respectfully submits that this 
prohibition is an infringement of the liberties guaran- 
teed under Article 9 of the Treaty. It is felt by mem- 
bers of the Minority denominations to be a great hard- 
ship, especially as mixed marriages between members 


REPLY 67 


SECTION III 


1.—THE RIGHTS OF THE CONFESSIONAL SCHOOLS 


First of all it is easy to see that most of the cases 
have been presented before the delegation with an 
intention of leading them astray. 

1. The right in the choice of a school. 

It is true that the ministerial orders No. 100088 
and 100099-—1923 regulates the scholar principles 
in the following manner, namely: each pupil must 
either go to the school belonging to his own religion, or 
to a State school. The Roumanian Government, in a 
wish of doing away with the struggles between the dif- 
ferent religions and sects, gave each religion the right 
of establishing its own school, for the very reason that 
the education received in those schools is in concord- 
ance with the principles of the various sects, which all 
differ from one another, was obliged to lay down that 
only pupils of the respective religion, should go to each 
school. 

The Roumanian State keeps up everywhere State 
schools, in which the teaching is carried on in the lan- 
guage of the minority, to which, religious principles 
being excluded, pupils of all religions may go. In 
some cases, there being in the locality no State school, 
and only one church school, the Ministry has disposed 
that pupils of any religion may go to that school. In 
case of mixed marriages, the parents may make a 


68 ALLEGATION 


of different denominations give rise to a desire to at- 
tend the school of a parent or grandparent who was a 
member of another denomination. Further, the Com- 
mission respectfully submits that to restrict the choice 
of schools, as implied by these regulations, is, in effect, 
an infringement of the entire freedom guaranteed 
under the Treaty, and enjoyed by the citizens of all 
free countries. 


The following cases of hardship are alleged :— 


(a) At Mujna, Odorheiu District, Unitarian chil- 
dren have been forced to attend the State school. 
Their parents wish them to attend the Reformed 
school. 

(b) At Aita Mare, Trei Scaune District, children 
of Reformed Church parents have been forced 
to attend the State School. Their parents wish 
them to attend the Unitarian School. 


REPLY 69 


choice of the school. ‘The limiting the activity of 
each Church School to the pupils of that religion does 
not constitute an attempt against liberty, and is simply 
a step taken in order to prevent competition between 
the different schools. The disposition is not contrary 
to article 9 of the treaty, for the Roumanian State, in 
reality defends each religion against the attempts of 
the other. 

The appeal “‘to all free States” is not seasonable, as 
neither italy nor France, do not allow church schools, 
to give degrees having a State value, whereas Rou- 
mania accords them the same rights as the State 
Schools. 


The cases quoted are the following: 

(a) At Mujna in the district of Odorhei before 
1918, there was only a State School. The reformed 
religion established in 1918 a Church School. ‘There 
was no objection raised as long as reformed pupils 
were brought up there. For pupils belonging to other 
religions, the Roumanian Government keeps up a 
State School, where the teaching is carried on in the 
Maghiar language. Now pupils of all religions went 
to this school until 1918. The school has remained the 
same, the teacher likewise—Why is this school not 
good to-day, when the teaching is still in the Maghiar 
language. 

(b) At Aita Mare the case is the same as at 
Mujna Mare. No objection was raised against the 
Unitarian school, for the Unitarian pupils. For the 


70 ALLEGATION 


(c) At Arad, the Unitarian parents of children 
attending the Roman Catholic School became 
Roman Catholic in January, 1924, to preserve 
their right to send their children to this school, 
as no other school in Hungarian language exists 
in Arad. 

(d) At Discio Sanmartin, Tarnava District, the 
Reformed Secondary School, built 1919, had 240 
scholars in 1923; under the above rule expelling 
other denominations, only 110 attend this year. 
There is no Hungarian section in the Scuola 


Media de Stat. 


REPLY 71 


other pupils the State keeps up a Hungarian school 
with three Hungarian teachers. 

(c) At Arad the statement that Unitarian par- 
ents became Catholics, only for their children to go to 
the Catholic High School, which is the only Hungarian 
school, is too vague to be controlled. It is not true that 
at Arad, the Romano-Catholic High School, which is 
the only Maghiar speaking High School, for the State 
keeps up one Maghiar high school for boys, and one 
for girls; and besides this there has been maintained a 
Maghiar section at the State High School. It was im- 
possible for pupils to attend this section on account of 
the propaganda carried on against the Roumanian 
State which made the Hungarian pupils keep aloof 
from the State school. ‘Therefore the Government 
was obliged gradually to suppress this section. Be- 
sides the Unitarian parents had the right, by law, to 
club together and found a unitary school, and the Rou- 
manian Government cannot be held responsible for the 
lack of initiative of these Unitarian parents who pre- 
ferred to change their religion. What is more, this 
denial of their faith, would be the strongest proof that 
the chief preoccupation of these members of minorities 
was not to defend their religion, but rather political 
schemes, easier to keep up by means of the private 
schools, than in the State schools, though they be in the 
language of the minority. 

(d) At Dicio Sanmartin the fact that a reformed 
school is created for a number of 240 pupils, out of 
which only 110 belong to the reformed religion shows 


72 ALLEGATION 


(e) At Cluj, 28 boys of non-Unitarian parents 
were expelled from the Lyceul Initar under this 
rule. 

(f) At Adamos, Tarnava District, the Confes- 
sional School was closed by Ministerial order, on 
the ground that it was used as a joint school for 
Reformed and Unitarian children. 


REPLY 73 


in a most striking manner, the abnormal state of affairs 
created in Transylvania by the Hungarians. What 
right have they, we should like to know, to bring up in 
the spirit of the reformed religion, the 130 pupils be- 
longing to another religion? 

The state school carries on no religious propaganda 
and is open to all children, without any distinction. 

If there is no Maghiar section in the State middle 
schools, this is not our fault, but the fault of the Hun- 
garians. Before 1918, there was here only one Hun- 
garian speaking State school, where also Roumanians 
were obliged to learn. The Roumanian rule wished 
to keep up two sections, one for Roumanians and one 
for Hungarians. The Hungarian teachers denied 
their oath, and would not serve the Government. One 
of the schoolmistresses being the wife of the reformed 
priest, the dissident teachers established a new school 
in the reformed priest’s residence, on a footing which 
could not be allowed, the school being created, more 
for giving a situation to the staff, opposed to the 
Roumanian State, than in a cultural object. 

(e) At Cluj 28 boys from the Unitarian high 
school, were sent each to the church school of their 
religion, each religion having its own school, whose 
object otherwise could not be explained. 

(f) At Adamos in the district of Tarnava, the 
Reformed school created in 1918, without a legal 
license, on a defective educational footing, wanted to 
work with pupils of different religions as a universal 
religion school. Now such a school according to the 


74 ALLEGATION 


2. THE CLOSING OF DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. 
(a) It is alleged that many schools have been 
closed by Ministerial order, without any explana- 
tion being given:—Order No. 90.127—1923 of 
the Ministry of Instruction closed the following 
schools of the Reformed Church and annulled the 
right of the Church to maintain schools in those 
villages :—Eresteghiu, Macsa, Deius, Marcusa, 
Albis, Cernatul de Sus, Cernatul de Jos, Zabala, 
Covasna, Pachia, Brates, Tufalau, Bita, Retiu, 


and Sf. Gheorghe. 


REPLY 75 


treaties is kept up on an excellent footing by the State, 
and at a great expense. 


2.—THE CLOsING OF DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. 


Roumania taking up the management of affairs in 
Transylvania, took up also all the rights and the lia- 
bilities of the Hungarian State. Wherever she found 
a State School, she took it up and gave proper care to 
its working. Differing from the Maghiar State which 
built only Hungarian State Schools, the Roumanian 
State followed an equitable course, introducing the 
language of the inhabitants as the language for teach- 
ing in the State Schools. Where there were inhabi- 
tants speaking different languages, it created sections 
for each language. he teachers existing under the 
Hungarian rule, were maintained in their positions, 
under the condition of swearing allegiance to the new 
State, and put aside only those who were unwilling. 

The church schools were allowed to go on as before. 

Now to be fair we must allow that the Unitarian, the 
Reformed and the Catholic Hungarian religious did not 
receive the political changes with a peaceful conscience. 

Partly in order to move the pupils out of the concili- 
ating influence of the Maghiar speaking State School | 
education, partly in order to find situations for the 
teachers who had refused the oath towards the state, 
the minorities created after 1918 a series of new 
schools, in absolutely inadmissible circumstances and 
conditions. These schools, or rather ‘‘counter- 
schools” as regards the State, were totally wanting in 


r 
1 


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ARNT LY Ane b 22 the 
PR 1 EMME TP Re Mente cd dia AG wD Ba 


ae 





REPLY ivi 


educational material, had no proper buildings, and 
worked in the priest’s room, in kitchens, sheds, etc. 
The language of the State was not taught in these 
schools, nor the History nor the Geography of the 
country, but Hungarian History and Geography was 
taught, and the education was carried on in a Hun- 
garian irredentist spirit. 

A. few figures will show the situation: in 1918, the 
last year of the Hungarian rule, there were in Ardeal 
322 reformed lower schools, and 26 unitary; in 1920 
the number was doubled to 641 reformed schools, and 
49 unitary. That is 319 new reformed schools and 23 
Unitarian schools were created. 

We can sum up the spirit of these minorities, by a 
formal statement made by Bishop Nagy Caroly, in 
1922, to Mr. Kolban the Secretary of the Society of 
Nations: ‘We need no State Schools and do not recog- 
nize them as our schools.”’ 

Under this light it will be easy to understand the 
following cases, of closing of schools which have been 
brought under our notice. 

(a) The case of the 15 schools, which were closed 
in the district of Trei Scaune is quite different to the 
manner it was laid before the Delegation. ‘The inves- 
tigations prove that these schools, instead of being 
used for educational purposes, fomented agitation 
amongst the inhabitants. [hey were lodged in most 
unfit quarters,—in the bellringer’s room, or in peas- 
ants’ houses which were extremely unhealthy. It was a 
duty towards humanity, to put a stop to this disorder. 


78 ALLEGATION 


(b) It is alleged that fifty other schools of the 
Reformed Church have also been closed for vari- 
ous reasons. The Hungarian names of the villages 
are given, as the official names are not known. 
The number of the Ministerial Order closing the 
school is given where available :— 


Sofalva, 81393-1923. 
Liznyo, 131698—-1923. 


REPLY ye 


In all these communes it is to be clearly noted, that 
there are well organized State Schools where teaching 
is carried on in Hungarian. 

(b) It is true that these 50 schools were closed. 
But the closing was not only ordered on serious 
grounds, but was also indispensable. Near by all of 
them were schools, insufficiently lodged, lacking com- 
pletely the most elementary school material, and so 
unhygienical that they endangered the children’s 
healths. Here also there had been well organized and 
hygienical Hungarian State Schools, which on account 
of the propaganda against the State, were empty. 
Now the Roumanian State makes a sacrifice of 195 
millions in its budget, for the minority schools, and 
cannot allow spurious institutions to lower the level of 
education in the country. No school was closed with- 
out preliminary notice being given according to the 
Hungarian laws which are in existence to this day in 


Ardeal. 


ORAL Varvares Ales 81398-923. Somfalau district of 
Bistrita-Nasaud...... inhabitants—Roumanians 284, 
Hungarians 434, Germans 11; Jews 15. A 3rd 
notice was given,—Therefore the school is closed, 
as it does not answer the requirements of the existing 
laws. The State keeps up a Maghiar section for the 


Hungarians. 
Liznyo No. 131698-923. Lisnau, district of Trei 
oieod Ht ten eee a inhabitants—Roumanians 399,—Hun- 


garians 469,—Jews 4. Reformed school established 


AS ay Copy i th i aay) SO at i 4 : 
x hake i POC is: on li ya Ray 
ie 


80 | ALLEGATION - 


Homorodszymarton, 101 68-1923. 
Nezokapsus, 1545471923. 
Szilagykovesd, 1934-1923. 





REPLY 81 


after 1919, lodged improperly—educational material 
null—had. only 12 pupils in all the classes put together. 
Teacher’s salary not fixed. Whereas the State keeps 
up a good Hungarian State School, with eminent Hun- 
garian teachers. 

Homorodszy-Marton...... 10168-923—-Homorod 
San Martin or Martinus, district of Odorhei—inhabi- 
tants—Roumanians 4; Hungarians 844,—Germans 1, 
—Jews 17—others 9. Since the Hungarian rule, there 
exists here a State school with two teachers which is 
still going on, in the same way with the same teachers 
and in the Hungarian language. The reformed priest, 
an irredentist Hungarian, established in 1919, a re- 
formed church school, without a school house or any 
educational material. At the inspection non observ- 
ance of the laws was proved, the teacher was not paid 
according to law. 

Nezokapsus. ...154547-1923 Capusul de Campie, 
district of Turda-Aries inhabtitants: Roumanians 958, 
Hungarians 235, Jews 11. ‘The school house does 
not answer its purpose, in furniture, educational ma- 
terial, etc. Five or six priests, have followed one after 
the other as teachers, who choose any time to leave 
their duties. A Hungarian State School has been cre- 
ated. 

Szilagy-Kovesd........ 1934-1923. Chiesd,—dis- 
trict of Salaj inhabtitants: Roumanians 1328,—Hun- 
garians 175,—Jews 33. ‘There were no pupils, only 
about 10-15. Schoolhouse unfit. ‘The reformed pu- 
pils attend the State School, Maghiar section. 


82 


ALLEGATION 


Zsibo, 122.184—1923. 
Nagysarmas, 85-1922. 

Bald, 154563-1923. 

Sotyor, 1327-1923. 
Kalotaszentkiraly, 3725-1923. 


REPLY 83 


VA Ate ee Me 122184-1923. Sibou. District of 
Salas—inhabitants: Rouamnians 532,—Hungarians 
2077,—Germans 4,—Jews 369,—others 3. Same as 
at Chiesd. 

Nagy Sarmas...... 85-923—-Sarmasul Mare, Dis- 
trict of Cozjocna—population: Roumanians 821,— 
Hungarians 1457,—Germans, 7,—Jews 84,—others. 
Has a State School with a Roumanian and a Maghiar 
section, each having three teachers. The church 
school was closed after an inspection, the provisions of 
the law not being respected. 

Balidste pew 154563-923. Balda, district of Co- 
jocna—population: Roumanians 660, Hungarians 90, 
Jews 10,—Worked without a proper license in an un- 
hygienic school house with no furniture. 

WOOT LG.):: 1327-923. By this name is probably 
meant the commune of Coseni, district of Trei Scaune, 
with 453 Maghiar inhabitants. There are 44 school 
children. It is a State School in the Maghiar lan- 
guage. Notwithstanding the Consistory of Cluj or- 
dered a church school to be established. Out of eighty 
families only eight inhabitants were in favor of a church 
school, the others were for the State school. 

Kalokaszens-Kiraly........ 3724-923. Zam-San- 
creain, in the district of Cojonca: Roumanians 303,— 
Hungarians 746,—Germans 1,—Jews 36.—There is 
a State School with one Roumanian and three Hun- 
garian teachers. The church school was closed by the 
ruling authorities, for hygienic reasons. 





84 


ALLEGATION 


Mihalyfalva. 

Magyarfrata, oral order. 
Saromberke, 140219-1923. 
Pancelosch, 140211—1923. 
Doboka, 140211-1923. 
Nyires, 6364-1921. 





REPLY 85 


V alea lui Mihai, in the district of Bihor. The state- 
ment that the church school was closed is not true, it is 
still going on at this moment, with four Hungarian 
teachers. 

Maghiar Frata...... verbal order.—Frata, dis- 
trict of Cojocna, Roumanians 2148,—Hungarians 201, 
—Jews 70,—others 2. The school house does not 
answer to hygiene requirements, but a magyar section 
is formed at the State lower school. Closed by the 
ruling authorities on the demand of the sanitary 
service. 

Saromberke........ 14219-923. — Sarombarc or 
Dumbraviora, in the district of Mures-Turda.—Rou- 
manians 28,—Hungarians 988,—others 1. The 
school has no house, nor educational material, and has 
not complied with the orders of the Ministry. Here 
there exists also a State lower school in the maghiar 
language. 

TPAC CLOSE: 5 elo.8 140211-923. Panticen, district of 
Solnoc-Dobaca; Roumanians 992;—Hungarians 201, 
—Jews 69. As children belonging to other religions 
were admitted, and there is no schoolhouse, the lessons 
take place in the church. 

Wobvaka so >. s: 143211-923. Dobaca, district of 
Solnoc Dobaca. Roumanians 1216,—Hungarians 54, 
—Germans 1,—Jews 13,—others 21.—Having no 
school house, the lessons took place in a room in the 
priest’s residence. 

Nyires...... 6364-923. Nires, district of Solnoc- 
Dobaca.—Roumanians 492,—Hungarians 779,—Jews 33. 


4 Pull on 


Olasztelek. 
Adamos. 
Magyarokereke. 
Katona. 


> : 


eG, ; AWA A if achat eB hah my 
dy Oe i gets Ey ules ts Ne aes bh ‘ At ; fi y } 
PSs BR My Sense WR oper: Wet me BT RAMA tinal years, 





REPLY 87 


The school is in a stable. It has no license. There is 
a Hungarian section with two teachers. 

A damos-Olasztelek.—Tilighioara, district of Odor- 
heiu. Roumanians 21,— Hungarians 760. — Since 
the time of the Hungarian rule, there was here 
only a State school. The Roumanian Government has 
kept it on the same footing, and teaching in the Mag- 
hiar language. Nevertheless the reformed religion 
has founded a reformed church school, without a suita- 
ble school house. ‘They did not comply with the re- 
quirements of the law. At an inspection, much dis- 
order was found, and it was closed after three 
warnings. 

Adamos.—Adamos, district of Tarnava Mica. 
—Roumanians 573,—Hungarians 1154,—Germans 
9,—Jews 74,—others 5.—The State keeps up a State 
school in Maghiar language, on the same footing, and 
with the same teachers and school house as under the 
Hungarians. Nevertheless the reformed religion has 
founded a new Church school, without a suitable school 
house. At the inspection it was found that besides 
having no school house and no educational material, 
that no Geography of the country was taught. 

Magyarokereke.—Mueran, district of Cojocna. 
—Roumanians 434,—Hungarians 275.—There is no 
school house, or license. 

Katona. — Catina, district of Cojocna. — Rov- 
manians 1307,—Hungarians 383,—Germans 2,— 
Jews,—others 63.—The school was not closed ;—after 


88 


; RVei S w * 1 ov ap ae aD Aah SSF an 7. Si: 
‘ " ah mesa My 


_ ALLEGATION 


Anzonynepe. 

Septer. 

Mezoszakal. 
Banflyhunya, 818-1919. 


Kisbaczon, 9033-1923. 


(tl 





REPLY 89 


the report No. 18-1924, dated May 5th, sent in by the 
reformed, Priest, it still continues to work. 

Anzonynepe.—Asini, district of Alba de jos— 
Roumanians 438,—Hungarians 80,—Jews 4.—The 
reformed Church school was created in 1921, without 
a license. Only eight children attended. There was 
no school house or educational material. It was 
closed as having no reason to exist. 

Septer.—Sopter, district of Cojocna—Roumanians 
329,—Hungarians 111,—Germans 1, Jews 10.—No 
school house, no pupils. 

Mezosacal...... Sacalul de Campie, district of 
Turda-Aries—Roumanians 1074,—Hungarians 158, 
—Jews 35.—Has no license, and has a clandestine 
school. 

Banfyhuniad...... 818-919—Huedin, district of 
Cojocna,—Roumanians 512,—Hungarians 3183,— 
Germans 51,—Jews 260,—others 964.—School house 
unhealthy. A State School with five teachers in the 
Roumanian section and six in the Maghiar section. 

Kisbaczon...... 9033-923.—Batani mici, district 
of Odorheiu.—Roumanians 37,—Hungarians 641. 
Here there is a State School in the Maghiar language. 
The reformed religion priest is an irredentist, he 
opened a reformed church school in very bad condi- 
tions, in a room without air or light. In the School 
reigns a hostile spirit towards the State, there was a 
map in which even places in the old kingdom were 
marked as Maghiarized. The Priest excited his coun- 


90 


ALLEGATION 


Sgamosfalva, 127687—1923. 
Szilagysomlyo, 58912-1923. 
Valasfut, 67058-1923. 
Aranyospolyan, 150904-1923. 
Beresztelke, 171295—1923. 
Oezfalva, 10277-1923. 


REPLY 91 


trymen against the State school, telling them that only 
in the church school they can turn out decent men. 

Szamosfalva...... 127687-923.—Somesfalau, dis- 
trict of Cojocna—Roumanians 1370,—Hungarians 
585,—Germans 2,—Jews 5,—others 2.—Unhealthy 
school house without necessary items. 

Szilagysomlyo...... 58912-923—Simleul Silvaniei, 
district of Salaj—Roumanians 1792,—Hungarians 
3441,—Germans 33,—Jews 1580,—others 75. A 
school without pupils, or license. An unfit building. 
The reformed religion pupils attend the State School 
in Maghiar. 

LST aT i 67058-923.—Valasul, district of 
Cojacna—Roumanians 7941,—Hungarians 554,— 
Germans 5,—Jews 25.—The school does not satisfy 
the existing laws. The building is insufficient and un- 
healthy. ‘There is also a Maghiar section. 

Aranyospolyan...... 150904-923.—Poiana de Ar- 
yies, district of Turda-Aries—Roumanians 385,— 
Hungarians 648,—Jews 3,—others 170.—The school 
has no license. There is a Maghiar section with two 
teachers. 

HeTesztelke hes . 171295-923. — Breaza, district 
of Mures-Turda — Roumanians 376, — Hungarians 
817,—Jews 6.—There is a State school with a Rou- 
Manian section with one teacher, and a Hungarian 
section with two teachers. 

Ocezfalva...... 10277-923.—This name is _ not 
known. Not having the correct name, we cannot give 
any information. 


92 


ALLEGATION 


Szacsva. , 
Magyarnemegye, 69663-1923. 
Nyarszo, 1923—January 5th. 
Balazsfalva, 128797—1923. 
Mocs, 36039-1924. 





REPLY 93 


SZACSUG iii 6's) Saciava, Trei-Scaune.—Hungarians 
271, the others speaking other languages. ‘There are 
altogether 35 schoolchildren. The State has since the 
time of the Hungarians, a Hungarian school. The 
church until 1923 had no school. ‘The population does 
not desire a Church school, only the bishopric urges 
its being established. 

Magyarnemegye...... 69663-923.—Nimigea Un- 
gureasca, district of Bistrita-Nasaud—inhabitants: 
Roumanians 357,—Hungarians 913, German 1,—Jews 
219.—There is no schoolmaster. The school ceased 
working of its own accord. There is also a Maghiar 
State School. 

PNgaTSZ Oj is hh. 1923 Jan. 5th—Nearsova, district 
of Cojocna,—inhabitants: Roumanians 143,—Hun- 
garians 283,—others 2.—Has no school house had no 
license. ‘They changed the village school into a church 
school, without any proper sanction. And no steps 
were taken, except to put things back into their former 
condition. 

MCLGs GIT Hise 128797-923.—Blaj, district of 
Alba de jos.—inhabitants: Roumanians 1351,—Hun- 
garians 201,—Germans 68,—Jews 188,—others 13; 
—there is a Maghiar section at the State school, with 
two teachers, notwithstanding the reformed religion 
population established a new school in a public house, 
which could not be allowed. 

TLS 36039-924.—Mocin, district of Co- 
jacna,—inhabitants: Roumanians 1663,—Hungarians 
622,—Germans 5,—Jews 163,—others 39.—Sanitary 


94 


ALLEGATION 


Nagysomkut, 100088-1923. 
Kokos, 1923—November 2nd. 
Kilyen, 16964-1924. 
Bogartelke, 154553-1923. 





REPLY 95 


considerations on the report of the schools’ doctor. 
There is a Maghiar section at the State lower school. 

Nagy Somcut...... 100688-923.—Somcuta Mare, 
Satmar, inhabitants: Roumanians 1667,—-Hungarians 
462,—Germans 21,—Jews 858,—others 5.—This 
school was closed last year, for the reason that it had 
no school house; it was lodged in the priest’s residence 
with 10 pupils, and had no license. At present the 
children attend the State school with a Maghiar sec- 
tion. 

MOKOS. tenis 1923 Nov. 2nd. The name being 
wrong, whether Szekelykakast or Gorgenykakas is 
meant here, nothing can be definitely stated. If the 
village Kokos (Chichis) in the district of Trei Scaune 
is meant, here there are 375 Roumanians, 830 Mag- 
hiars. There is a Maghiar State School very well 
organized, which can take in all the reformed religion 
pupils. The reformed religion created a church 
school, which got on very badly. There is also a Uni- 
tarian school in very bad condition. 

Kylien. 2)... 16964-924.—Chileni, district of Trei 
Scaune; inhabitants: Roumanians 27,—Hungarians 
519,—Germans 7. As there exists in the commune a 
State school with teaching in Hungarian, the reform 
religion inhabitants wanted to shake off the obligation 
of keeping up a church school imposed on them by the 
Bishopric. As the inhabitants had no care to keep it 
up, the State authorities were forced to close it. 

Bogartelke...... 154553-923.—Bagara, district of 
-Cojocna ;—inhabitants: Roumanians 43; Hungarians 


96 


ALLEGATION 


Kolozskara, 65056-1923. 
Bardoez, 9031-1923. 


Nagyborosnyo, Nov. 16, 1923. 


Olakujfalu, 70782-1923. 
Uzdiszentpeter. 





REPLY 97 


574,—Germans 2,—Jews 7. ‘The school was opened 
without the legal formalities being fulfilled,—the 
school room is not healthy; while the teacher I. Nagy 
engaged by the church, has not taken the oath of allegi- 
ance to the Roumanian State. There is a State school 
in the Maghiar language, and no’Roumanian school. 

Kolozskara...i.. 65056-923.—Cara, district Co- 
jocna,—inhabitants :—Roumanians 855,—Hungarians 
307. No license, no school house, no school material; 
there is a teacher who is a priest. There is also a State 
school in Maghiar language. 

Bardoez...... 903 1-923.—Bardesti, in the district 
of Mures-lurda,—inhabitants: Roumanians 382,— 
Hungarians. There are no Hungarian pupils in the 
commune. Neither was there ever a Hungarian 
church school, or if there was, it was clandestine. 

Nagyborosnyo...... Nov. 16th, 1923.—Borosmcul 
Mare, in the district of Trei Scaune—inhabitants: 
Roumanians 14,—Hungarians 1371,—Jews 53. The 
population and the priest himself have given up the 
church school, where there were only 19 pupils, as 
there is in the village a capital State School in the Mag- 
hiar language, and which satisfies sufficiently all educa- 
tional purposes. 

Olasskuifalitc <i. 70782-923.—There are eight 
communes with this name so that we cannot tell which 
is meant. 

Ozdiszenpeter...... Sanpetru de Campie in the dis- 
trict of Cojocna; inhabitants: Roumanians 832,—Hun- 
garians 201,—Germans 2,—-Jews 33,—others 276. 


98 


ALLEGATION 


Ture, 151442. 
Kozeplak, 27-1924. 
Teke, 99732-1923. 
Brad, 8038-1924. 


> 
on 
a 
‘ 

4 ] 

4 
f T ’ 
j is y 
7 AG, 

apie 


* 


‘ “s alee ane ¢ om ‘ | 
) ‘ ‘) ’ LA : , pos , * iP us fi 
Habe OU 2 





REPLY 99 


Under the Hungarians there was a State school. The 
church did not apply for leave to open a church school 
here, as there was not a sufficient number of Hun- 
garian pupils for this. 

(Lig pe ee 151442—-Turea in the district of Co- 
jocna—inhabitants: Roumanians 285,—Hungarians 
519,—Jews 12,—others 13. On the reformed priest’s 
initiative, a counter-school to the State school in the 
Maghiar language was established, and agitation was 
fomented against the State. There is there also a 
Hungarian State School of the reformed religion. 

Kozeplak...... 27-924—Cuzaplac, in the district 
of Cojocna,—inhabitants: Roumanians 305,—Hun- 
garians 469,—Jews 23. Was opened clandestinely. 
There was no schoolmaster, but a propaganda was 
carried on against the State school, so that the children 
went neither to one school nor the other.—There is 
also a Hungarian State school. 

Pek eee es. 99732-923—-Teaca, district of Co- 
jocna,—inhabitants: Roumanians 721,—-Hungarians 
609,—Germans 961,—Jews 154,—others 211;—-The 
Maghiar section at the State school was opened, after 
the church school closed of itself, having no school 
house. Even the former teacher at the church school, 
was appointed to the State School, at the request of 
the Priest. 

ATAG nee s 8638-924—Brad, district of Hunidio- 
ara;—inhabitants: Roumanians 2914,—-Hungarians 
464,—Germans 85,—Jews 99,—others 31;—The re- 
formed religion school was lodged in a cemented floor- 


100 ALLEGATION 
Kisilye, 146459-1923. 


(c) The reasons given by the Ministerial Orders 
closing the schools are as follows, and suggest that 
an excuse for closing the schools is sought :— 

a. Teaching unsatisfactory. b. History, Geog- 
raphy, Constitution and Language of Rou- 
mania were not taught. c. Incomplete school 
equipment. d. Textbooks used not sanc- 
tioned by the minister. e. The obligatory 
programme of the government was not fol- 
lowed. f. The school had not Government 
permission to work. g. The teachers did not 
take the official oath. h. The class rooms 
were dark, small, or unhealthy. 7. The diary 
was not made in Roumania. 7. There were 
enrolled pupils of other denominations. k. 
The school had no flag. J. The school worked 
In an unpatriotic way. 

(d) Many school buildings, the property of the 
Minority churches have been taken over by the 
Roumanian State, on the ground that they were 
previously leased to the former Hungarian Gov- 
ernment. The Minority churches urge that these 
leases were in many cases definitely worded that 
the schools should be maintained in Hungarian 
language. The Commission has verified this 
clause in the contracts concerning the Unitarian 
schools of Belini, Cornesti, and Suat. The 
Commission is informed that similar clauses exist 





REPLY 101 


ing room, and had only 15 pupils. At the inspection 
children were found shivering with cold in this improper 
schoolhouse. ‘The State school is well organized, hav- 
ing a Maghiar section. 

DS VSLIeN cia 146459-923—Flioara, district of 
Mures-lurda,—inhabitants: Roumanians 90, Hunga- 
rians 251;—-Does not satisfy the requirements pro- 
vided by law. Works openly in an antipatriotic direc- 
tion; has no special license for working. The teaching 
goes on in this church, lacking a school house. The 
school master does not speak Roumanian. 

We must add that in all the Secui communes, there 
is a State School where teaching is carried on in Hun- 
garian. 

(c) The considerations set forth herein for closing 
the schools, are all real, well founded and proved by 
investigations made by the inspectors. We cannot con- 
ceive how the word “pretext for closing”’ can be applied 
to the circumstance of not having a proper schoolroom, 
of not using schoolbook sanctioned by the Ministry, of 
not teaching in the language of the State, of not re- 
specting the ministerial programme, and of working in 
a hostile spirit against the State. 

(d) It is true that the Roumanian State took 
possession of all the school buildings which had been in 
the possession of the Hungarian State, both those 
which belonged to the Hungarian State, as well as those 
which were hired, the latter being in great number, and 
the leases generally for 25 years. 


102 


(e 


ALLEGATION 


in the contracts with other Minority churches. It 
is alleged that the Roumanian Government ignores 
the terms of these school contracts. 

) Itis alleged that no less than 130 school build- 
ings owned by the Reformed Church have been 
taken over by the Roumanian State, which ignores 
the terms of the contracts, without compensation 
and against the repeated protests of the Church. 


(f) It is alleged that the Unitarian Elementary 


Schools at Trascau and at Trascausangeorgiu, | 
Turda-Aries District, and at Avramesti, Cristur 
District, have been closed by Ministerial order 
after working under Roumanian rule for four 
years. 


(g) Itis alleged that 16 Roman Catholic primary 


schools were closed in the year 1923-4, and that 
the Roman Catholic Middle School at Sigisoara 
was closed compulsorily in 1922. 





REPLY 103 


The Roumanian Government took up all these con- 
tracts, with all the rights and liabilities attached to 
them, and it is not true that it did not respect them. 
There, where there isa clause for teaching in Hungarian, 
the Roumanian government keeps up Hungarian sec- 
tions in proportion with the number of Hungarian 
pupils; but these contracts agreed with the Hungarian 
Government, cannot hinder the Roumanian State from 
keeping up also a Roumanian section, parallel with the 
Maghiar section, for the Roumanian population. What 
is more the Roumanian Government respects the 
clauses of the contract even where they stipulate that 
the schoolmaster be a reformed, or unitary church Hun- 
garian, so as to fulfill the duty of chanter in church. 
Here however the teachers meet difficulties on the part 
of the churches, which dismiss from their service as 
chanters, the schoolmasters who have taken the oath 
of allegiance to the Roumanian State. 

(e) An identical answer as to the preceding case. 

(f) The Trascau, and Trascau Sangiorgiu schools 
were closed, because the teaching was carried on in an 
irredentistical spirit. Geographies have been confis- 
cated, as being arranged in Hungary for that object. 
They had no school houses nor licenses. In the com- 
munes there are State schools with Maghiar sections 
and Maghiar teachers.—Avramesti is in the same case. 

(g) The information concerning the 16 Romano- 
Catholic schools is too vague to be properly answered. 
Perhaps it alludes to the 16 Romano-Catholic schools 


104 ALLEGATION 


(h) It is alleged that the Roman Catholic Gym- 
nasium at Satmar was purchased by the Bishop 
from the Hungarian State in 1913, and the whole 
price paid. The Ministry of Instruction took over 
this building in 1919 without payment and now 
uses it as a Girls’ School, with a Roumanian Or- 


thodox Chapel. 


REPLY 105 


in Secui, intended to be closed if they did not improve 
their situation, but which so far have not been closed. 

The case of the civil school of Sighisoara is typical. 
Here are two Romano-Catholic schools having four 
classes for boys and four for girls, that is, all together, 
eight classes which only had two rooms for all of them, 
was created, in opposition to the State school. Lessons ~ 
were given to two classes at a time, in the same room, 
which is a pedagogical nonsense. For all the eight 
classes, there were three masters and two teachers, 
that is five in all. The pupils numbered 60 girls and 
35 boys, of which only half were Catholics. 

The best proof that this school was not closed forci- 
bly, as is stated in the memorandum, is the fact that it 
goes on working to the present day. 

(h) The building called the Romano-Catholic 
high school of Satmar, was the property of the Mag- 
hiar State. It is true that in the year 1919 a contract 
was agreed upon, by which it was bought from the 
Hungarian government, for the Romano-Catholic 
Bishopric of Satmar. But the price was not paid in 
full, so that the sale was not final, as the Bishopric’s 
title was not filed in the register for real property. 

Now the dirigent counsel of Transylvania invali- 
dated all the sales made with an object of conveying 
property from the State, consequently this sale was also 
invalidated. The Bishopric has the right of bringing in 
an action for the return of the installments paid. 

The Roumanian government, in its own building 
settles the institutions which it considers needful. 


106 ALLEGATION 


(1) It is alleged that in Cornesti the Hungarian 
children have received no teaching this year, owing 
to the closing of the Confessional School. A 
teacher of Hungarian language recommended by 
the Church was refused because he was ignorant of 
the Roumanian language. 

(j) It is alleged that over 100 children of Re- 
formed parents at Sfantulsangiorgiu have not 
been able to attend school this year owing to the 
closing of the Confessional School, and to the 
lack of accommodation in the State school. 

(k) It is alleged that at Ceagz, district of Turda- 
Aries, the Orthodox priest took possession of the 
Unitarian School and of the teachers’ lodging 
without compensation. 


3. THe ROUMANIZATION OF SCHOOLS AND PUPILS. 


The Commission at this point desires respectfully 
to submit that the members and officials of the Minor- 
ity groups without exception emphatically expressed 
their willingness and desire to incorporate into their 
curricula the teaching of (1) the Roumanian language, 
and (2) of Roumanian History, to the end that they 
might become de facto members of the Roumanian 
State. 

Believing in the sincerity of these statements, the 
Commission respectfully submits that the protest 
against the multiform interference with the Confes- 
sional Schools is not to be interpreted as resistance to 


REPLY 107 


(1) It is true that at the State lower school in 
Cornesti, last year there was no teacher. Steps have 
now been taken for the place to be occupied by a com- 
petent teacher. 

The teacher mentioned in the memorandum could 
not be accepted, as he was called upon to teach in the 
Roumanian language, of which he was ignorant. 

(j) In Sfantul Gheorghe the children did not re- 
main without a school, as the State owns there a very 
roomy school house, where, last year, were employed 
ten teachers, giving lessons in the Maghiar language. 
The assertion that the pupils remained without a school 
is therefore unfounded.—As for the church school, the 
house it occupied was out of the question. 

(k) The case of Ceags, in the district of Turda- 
Aries, was looked into, and as soon as the Department 
ascertained that an abuse had been committed by the 
priest, it ordered the building to be returned to the 
unitary church. 


3. THE ROUMANIZATION OF THE SCHOOLS AND 
PuPILs. 


The Roumanian State is glad to receive any proof 
of loyalty from any member of the educationary staff 
of the minorities, and was pleased that the Delegation 
had the occasion of hearing such confessions from 
them, but considering the facts in their true light, the 
Roumanian Government is sorry to be obliged to say 
that, in fact, very few of the minority teachers have 


108 ALLEGATION 


the acquirement, within a reasonable period of time, of 
knowledge of the Roumanian language and history. 

(a) It is alleged that the decree No. 36210-1924 
of the Ministry of Instructions, which orders the 
substitution of German-Roumanian for Hunga- 
rian language in the Lutheran School at Cluj, is 
deliberately planned to Roumanize this school. 
In 1923-4 the scholars numbered 211, of whom 
194 were of Hungarian language. 

(b) It is alleged-that the Ministerial order to 
remove a marble tablet placed in 1901 in the En- 
trance Hall of the Lyceul Unitar at Cluj, on the 
ground of its inscription in the Hungarian lan- 
guage is as an act contrary to the spirit of the 
Treaty. 

(c) Itis alleged that members of Minority denom- 
inations who hold any public office are compelled 
by fear of dismissal to send their children to the 
State schools, thus depriving their children of the 
special education provided by the Confessional 


Schools. 


REPLY 109 


given any proof of wishing to acquire any knowledge 
of the Roumanian language. 

We can assure that the Roumanian State makes all 
due allowances in consideration of the difficulty and the 
time necessary for the studying of the language, but 
could not admit ill-will. 

(a) The introduction of the German language in 
lieu of Maghiar for teaching in the Lutheran school of 
Cluj is owing to the wish of the congregation of that 
church, and to the influence used by the Lutheran evan- 
gelic consistory of Sibiu, in consideration that the 
churchmen of that parish are Germans, prone to be 
Maghiarized, under the Hungarian sway. The pupils 
are also of German origin, though presented by their 
priest Kirchnopf (a German renegade who found a 
new country in Hungary) as Hungarians. 

What interest could the Roumanian State have for 
substituting the German language to the Hungarian? 

(b) ‘The marble slab on the frontispiece of the 
unitary high school of Cluj was not taken down because 
the text was not written in Roumanian, but because it 
represented only the images of certain Maghiar 
authorities, whereas in the whole school there was not 
a single board on which was represented the image or 
the name of a Roumanian. 

(c) The accusation is too vague;—The name of 
the State officials on whom pressure was used in the 
choice of a school for their children, should be men- 
tioned.—It is a reminiscence from the days of the 


110 ALLEGATION 


(d) Itis alleged that at Diciosanmartin, Tarnava 
District and at Cracunel, Odorheiu District, many 
Hungarian parents are compelled by orders of 
Revisor to send their children to Roumanian sec- 
tions of State schools. ‘This is stated to be fre- 
quent in the case of people of the Minority de- 
nominations who have Roumanian names, and 
with those of Gipsy origin. 

(e) In Cracunel, it is alleged that parents have 
been fined sums of 30-300 lei for not complying 
with this order. Certain parents are sending 
their children to distant villages to escape these 
alleged attempts at Roumanization. 

(f) It is alleged that on December 29th, 1923, 
the Directress of the Normal School in Oradea- 
Mare requested the Unitarian Bishop to arrange 
for the religious instruction of a girl named Eliza 
Szekely, a student of the school. An elder of the 
Church was appointed to give this instruction, but 
was not allowed by the Directress to proceed, 
owing to the fact that he could not give the instruc- 
tion in the Roumanian language. ‘This decision 
was upheld by the Minister of Education in spite 
of the protest of the Bishop. Permission was 
granted for the student to receive religious instruc- 
tion in her family. 


REPLY 111 


Hungarian sway, when this system was practiced. The 
Roumanian State would be loath to use such means. 

(d) In Dicio Sanmartin and in Craciunel, the 
Hungarians were not obliged to send their children to 
the State schools, but only the children of the Rou- 
manians, of a well proven Roumanian origin, but 
whose names had evidently been Maghiarized, were 
directed to the State schools. 

The Roumanian State considers that it is its right 
to bring back to their stock those Roumanians who 
have been alienated by the Hungarians. 

As regards the alleged attempts to Roumanize the 
Hungarians, they were never made, nor will they ever 
be made, since the Roumanians, who have been for 
centuries the victims of the attempts for Maghiarizing 
the Hungarians, realizes better than any other nation, 
the uselessness of such a method of ruling which does 
not produce any other effect but provocation and irre- 
dentism. 

(e) At Craciunel some parents were fined, not 
because they did not send their children to the State 
school, but because they did not send them to school at 
all; the fine was fixed, according to the existing laws 
by the Communal Counsel which, to prove the toler- 
ance of Roumania, is composed only of Hungarians. 

(f) At Oradia Mare, the normal girls school, the 
lessons are in the Roumanian language; but no one pre- 
vents religious education beyond the precincts of the 
school, being given in any other language. 


112 ALLEGATION 


(g) It is alleged that in June, 1923, Sub-revisor 
of schools at Odorheiu requested the minister if 
he could not teach religion in Roumanian in the 
Hungarian section of State schools. 

(h) It is alleged that at Aita Mare, Treiscaune 
District, Michael Roman, shoemaker, joined the 
Reformed Church in 1914, satisfying the require- 
ments of the law. In 1923, his children being 
legally excluded from the Unitarian School, he 
took them to the State school. He desired them 
to be taught in the Hungarian section, and in the 
Reformed religion. ‘The Director of the State 
school placed them in the Roumanian section, and 
prevented their receiving religious instruction 
from the Reformed minister. 

(i) It is alleged that at Targul-Mures the teach- 
ing of the Municipal school was changed from 
Hungarian to Roumanian language by the intro- 
duction of teachers from the old kingdom. 

(j) It is alleged that at Targul-Mures only boys 
of Roumanian language are enrolled as scholars 
of the Industrial School for wood and metal work. 


REPLY 113 


(g) The assertion that attempts were made to 
give religious lessons, in a Maghiar section, in the 
Roumanian language, is an impossibility, as in those 
sections, all subjects, and consequently religion also, 
are taught in Hungarian. ‘That under the Hungarian 
sway, the system of obliging Roumanian children to 
learn religion in Hungarian was practiced, we all know. 
But the Roumanian State shuns such means. 

(h) ‘The case of the bootmaker Mihail Roman, 
is one of the many examples, of Roumanians, who were 
obliged, especially at the beginning of the war to de- 
sert for fear of reprisals, from their faith and their 
nation and pass over to the Hungarians, but nobody can 
prevent them from following the religion they please, 
and bringing up their children according to their desire. 
If he says that he has suffered an iniquity, why does he 
not bring the fact before the higher authorities? 

(1) The town of Targu-Mures, not being able to 
bear the expense of keeping up the schools, handed 
them over to the Roumanian State which according to 
the local needs, keeps up Roumanian and Maghiar sec- 
tions.—In the Roumanian are employed also school- 
masters brought from the old kingdom, and we think 
that the State has the undisputed right of picking its 
officials where it thinks fit. 

(j) Pupils are admitted to the professional school, 
on examination, and without and _ consideration 
as to nationality. It is to be remarked that the pro- 
fessors and the foremen of this school, are all Hun- 
garians, except three. 


114 ALLEGATION 


(k) It is alleged that at Turda the Girls Second- 
ary School of the Reformed Church was taken 
over by the State in 1919, and the language of 
instruction changed to Roumanian. It is alleged 
that the old professors were removed, though 
they had taken the oath of loyalty. 

(1) Further, it is alleged that the new school of 
the Reformed Church at Turda is permitted only 
as a private school, so that its usefulness is pre- 
vented. 

(m) It is alleged that the use of the old school 
textbooks in Hungarian language has been pro- 
hibited, and that no new ones have been supplied. 

(n) It is alleged that many of the school libraries 
have been closed, and that no use of Hungarian 
books is allowed. 

(o) It is alleged that in Bucuresti, George Bartok, 
Bishop of the Reformed Church, bought land and 
had school buildings erected for missionary pur- 
poses. ‘There was a larger building in Str. Sfinci 
Voevozi 50 si 50 bis consisting of 10 classrooms, 
four apartments for teachers, and one for the 
Dean. ‘There was also a smaller building in Str. 
Sfuntu Stefan 34, or four classrooms and a Hall. 
The number of students in 1904-5 was 260; in 
1915-6, 600. ‘The claim of the Transylvanian 
Reformed Church to these buildings was denied, 
though they were properly acquired from the pre- 
vious proprietor. But it was dealt with as the 
property of the Budapest Reformed Convent and 


REPLY 115 


(k) It is not true that the girls’ high school, be- 
longing to the reformed church of Turda, has been 
taken by the State. The Roumanian State received 
the Turda girls’ school by right of inheritance from the 
Maghiar State;—The former teachers were not dis- 
missed, and after they took the oath, they received 
their salary for two years, without doing any duty, 
after which so as not to remain without any service, 
situations were offered them elsewhere. 

(1) The reformed church, created, after 1918, a 
civil school for girls in Turda, which had the rights 
of publicity recognized by the State. But certain ir- 
regularities were discovered, propaganda manuals sent 
from Hungary, for which reason it was deprived of 
the right of issuing certificate with an official value. 
But in a broad spirit of leniency the school was allowed 
to continue further. 

(m) The texts of the classical authors which ex- 
isted at the Ardeal booksellers being all sold out, the 
General Director of the Cluj library printed a fresh 
stock, which he placed at the disposition of all the 
schools; those published abroad were not prohibited by 
anybody. 

(n) The Hungarian libraries of the Roumanian 
speaking schools are not used by anybody, as there is 
no one to do so. The libraries of the Hungarian 
school are still used. 

(o) The edifice of the reformed church in Buca- 
rest was not the property of the Cluj bishopric, but of 


116 ALLEGATION 


was taken over as alien property. The conse- 
quence of this is that the Hungarian children have 
no opportunity of education in their own language. 


4. EXAMINATIONS AND DIPLOMAS. 

A vast number of complaints reached the Commis- 
sion regarding the Examination System of the Ministry 
of Instruction as applied to both teachers and scholars. 
In effect it showed a widespread feeling among the 
Minorities that the Government is attempting to 
destroy the Confessional Schools by developing an 
examination system entirely in the Roumanian lan- 
guage, which disregards the Minority languages, ren- 
ders futile the teaching of Minority schools, and tends 
to prevent their pupils from passing into the Secondary 
Schools. 

(a) It is alleged that Ministerial order has been 
issued compelling all school teachers to pass an 
examination, not only in Roumanian language, 
but also in Roumanian geography, history and 
Constitution, whether they can teach those sub- 
jects or not. 

(b) It is alleged that the expense of these exami- 
nations is a hardship, teachers having to travel in 
1921 to Odorhieu, and in 1923 to Sibiu for an 
examination lasting two days. In preparation for 
examination it is alleged that a stay of some 
months’ duration in Old Roumania was neces- 
sary, the teacher having to pay his expenses and 
also the wages of a substitute. 


REPLY 117 


the Budapest church; it was therefore treated as for- 
eign property, this on the basis of the international 
treaties. 


4. EXAMINATIONS AND DEGREES. 


(a) The complaints put before the Delegation, 
according to which the Roumanian State would be tend- 
ing to paralyze education in the schools of the minori- 
ties, and to prevent the passing of the pupils belonging 
to the minorities into the high schools, by obliging 
them to pass their examinations in the Roumanian, can 
have no other object than to lead astray the good faith 
of the public. 

We make it quite plain that the State had no hidden 
meaning: the pupils are examined in each subject, in 
the language they learnt it at school. 

As regards the teachers and the professors, it is true 
that they pass their examinations on the history, the 
geography, and the constitution of Roumania, in the 
Roumanian language, otherwise one could not judge 
of the progress of their knowledge of Roumanian, 
which is the chief object of the examination. 

Considering that each State has the right of claiming 
from their teachers, who are those who will have to 
form the future generations to know the language of 
the State, the past, the territory and the laws of the 
country in which they are employed as educators. 

(b) The Roumanian State in its care for the pub- 
lic weal, has organized, in the old kingdom and in Ar- 
deal, lectures in order to facilitate this preparation, the 


118 ALLEGATION 


(c) It is alleged that at Uioara the Reformed 
Church Secondary School had in the year 1922-3, 
120 students. In 1923-4 by Ministerial order the 
School was made private, and the pupils were 
ordered to take their examinations in the State 
school in Roumanian language. It is alleged that 
this order had the effect of closing the Uioara 
Secondary School. 

(d) Itis alleged that the Order No. 58886-1924 
of the Ministry of Instruction states that the 
Maturity Examination will be held in the Rou- 
manian language for all subjects, though an earlier 
order stated that only those subjects would be 
examined in Roumanian which were taught in 
Roumanian, other subjects were to be examined 
in the student’s own language. 

(e) It is alleged that by order of the Revisor of 
Odorheiu, Nestor Joachim, the children of the 
whole Cristur District are being compelled to pay 
a fee of 50 lei for examination in the Roumanian 
language, which examination is compulsory for 
ail pupils. 


REPLY 119 


attending which is gratuitous; what is more, gratuitous 
lodging and a sum necessary for food, or at any rate 
very important reductions have been allowed to those 
attending these lectures. 

For the examination no tax is paid. 

The series of these examinations have been held 
during the summer holidays, so that there was no oc- 
casion for any kind of leave. 

Over two millions have been spent out the State 
budget expressly for helping the educational staff of 
the minorities on undergoing these examinations. 

(c) The pupils of the Uioara reformed church 
high school, passed their examinations at the State 
school, as the said reformed school has not the right 
of issuing State certificates. [hey were examined on 
each subject in the language in which they learnt it. 
It is an untruth that the final high school examination 
was passed in the Roumanian language. Out of twenty 
subjects, only the essay, chosen by the candidate, with 
two hours and the help of books for preparing it, was 
in Roumanian. In fact, the very satisfactory success 
of the examination, as regards the promotion of the 
candidates, bring out sufficiently the broad mind in 
which the law was applied. 


No answer is given to Allegation D. 


(e) In the school district of Odorhei, it is true 
that in some of the schools fees of 50 lei were levied, 
for the final examination, but when this was brought 
under the notice of the leading organs, they immedi- 


120 
a 


ALLEGATION 


OTHER SCHOOL COMPLAINTS. 


(a) Itisalleged that at Cluj, Calea Victoria No. 10, 


a building belonging to the Unitarian Church, and 
used as a Unitarian Girls Home, has been requisi- 
tioned for the use of the State Railway; that the 
first floor is used for Railway Offices, and the 
second for Railway Officials’ lodgings; and that 
the C. F. R. pays an annual rental of 35,000 lei, 
which is about one fifth only of the present rental 
value of the premises occupied. The accommoda- 
tion is urgently needed for the Girls Home. Re- 
peated appeals have been sent to the proper Gov- 
ernment Officials, but without effect. In the mean- 
time the Girls Home has been housed in a small 
part of the adjacent Unitarian Theological Col- 
lege, to the great inconvenience alike of the Col- 
lege and of the girls. The accommodation in the 
College is entirely inadequate, but is all that the 
Unitarian Church can give. The Ministry of 
Instruction has now notified the Unitarian author- 
ities that, as the accommodation is insufficient, the 
Home will not be permitted to occupy the space 
in the College building beyond the end of 1924. 
The Commission respectfully points out that a 
building long used for educational purposes has 
been requisitioned and at merely a nominal rental 
by the State, to the great detriment of the Uni- 
tarian young women, and that the best arrange- 
ments which the Unitarian authorities are able to 
make are now condemned by the State, and the 


REPLY 121 


ately prohibited the levy while the money paid was 
partly returned, and when that was not feasible it was 
paid into the fund for school buildings. 


5. OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOL. 


(a) The complaints sent in to the Delegation only 
lead to mystification. The Unitarian school possesses 
in Cluj a splendid school building. In it is lodged the 
theological seminary, the high school, and a girls’ 
school. That this edifice is insufficient, and that the 
Ministry found it so, is not true. ‘This edifice is so 
beautiful that beside the University, the State itself 
does not possess another like it. Next to it and sep- 
arated only by the church and a street, is situated the 
old building of the College. It was requisitioned for 
a time, owing to the crisis on lodgings. Now the 
school for girls is in the large building, while the scheme 
for lodging this school in the old building was after it 
was requisitioned by the railway. 


122 


ALLEGATION 


Commission respectfully inquires what other con- 
clusion can be reached, than that the Roumanian 
authorities intend entirely to suppress the Uni- 
tarian Girls Home. Further, the Commission 
respectfully submits that in itself the matter is of 
grave importance, constituting, if the facts are as 
alleged, a grave case of discrimination against a 
Minority institution, but which assumes a larger 
importance in the minds of the Minorities when it 
is held to be not an exceptional incident but one, 
the Commission is assured, that could be dupli- 
cated many times, if not exactly, yet in effect. 


(b) It is alleged as an illustration of a similar 


incident that the Reformed Church Secondary 
School for girls at Cluj, is now without a school 
building, their adequate building having been 
requisitioned and occupied by the State Railway. 
The Commission is informed that the Ministry 
of Instruction has now taken away the ‘Public 
Status’ from this school on the grounds that it 
has no suitable building. 


(c) Itis alleged, as a further illustration, that the 


adequate building of the Reformed Lyceul at 
Orastie, was requisitioned by the Government, 
and that the Ministry of Instruction has now taken 
away the “Public Status’ of this school on the 
grounds that its present accommodation is insuffi- 
cient. Since without a ‘“‘Public Status’’ the schol- 
ars are not able to pass into a higher school, the 
Commission submits that the withdrawal of the 


REPLY 123 


(b) The same for this case. 

The reformed religion church, opened in 1920 a 
church school for girls in order to find a situation for 
the school mistresses who had refused to take the oath 
of allegiance to the State, and who up to then had been 
employed at the State high school in Cluj. 

The new institution began to work in a provisional 
manner in the afternoon hours, in the building of the 
reformed high school for boys. 

Now the reformed church claims certain rights of 
property in an edifice situated in Calea Victoriei bought 
fromthe teachers’ association of the district of Cojocna, 
a sale which was executed under the Hungarian rule, 
and from that time disputed for alleged informalities, 
by the Hungarian Department, which had not sanc- 
tioned it according to law. In this building which 
even today does not belong to it, the reformed church 
has been wanting to lodge the girls’ school, making 
applications repeatedly for the building, which had 
been requisitioned for a hospital, in the time of the 
Hungarians, and which is still there now, to be emp- 
lied. There can therefore be no question of harming 
anybody’s rights, as these rights do not exist. 

(c) Also in the Kun College case, the Delegation 
has been induced into error. The reformed religion 
College has a beautiful new building, only the old 
building has been hired by the State, for the establish- 
ment of a high school. It is not exact that it has been 
deprived of the right of publicity on the grounds that 
the building is insufficient, but it was proved by several 


124 ALLEGATION 


“Public Status’? works great hardship, and it is 
alleged to constitute discrimination. This is the 
only Reformed Church College in a large area 
mainly inhabited by Roumanian Orthodox. It is 
alleged that local and social enmity has brought 
about the ruin of the College. 

The Commission refrains from expressing any opin- 
ion as to whether under the terms of the Treaty, school 
buildi: ~ can be requisitioned by the Roumanian Gov- 
ernment, and the Commission refrains also from ex- 
pressing any opinion as to the wisdom of the policy, 
which in effect impoverishes educational institutions 
which have been slowly endowed by years of effort. 
The Commission respectfully submits that housing 
conditions which are the direct result of the action of 
one Government Department cannot be fairly made to 
militate against the Status of Schools by another De- 
partment of the Roumanian Government. 

(d) It is alleged that at Zalau, District of Salaj, 
the teacher of Roumanian language in the Re- 
formed School was discharged by order of an 
Inspector on the ground of his Hungarian origin. 

(e) Itis also alleged at Zalau that teachers in the 
Reformed School were fined for using unsanc- 
tioned textbooks, although they had received of- 
ficial permission to use the books. 

(f)  Itis alleged that the Prime Praetor of Tasnad 
prevented the Reformed Church at Erszakacs 
from electing a cantor-teacher. 


REPLY 125 


inspections, that the level of education had fallen so 
low, inasmuch that it could no longer be allowed to is- 
sue State value certificates. By the light thrown on 
the question, the complaints raised against the acts of 
the Departments fall through completely. 

(d) At Zalau, Mr. Solymos, is not authorized to 
give Roumanian lessons, not because he is a Hungarian, 
but because he does not sufficiently know it. 

(e) The schoolmasters of the reformed school at 
Zalau, were not fined for using unsanctioned school- 
books, but were only admonished. 

(f) It was not the sub-prefect of ‘Tasnad who pro- 
hibited the chanter-teacher in the commune of Socaciu, 
but there being a feud between two teachers, of which 
one, Wass Sandor, being dismissed unjustly, applied for 
the intervention of the Prime Pretor, not to allow the 
election to take place in the schoolhouse, until his case 
is looked into. 


126 ALLEGATION 


(g) It is alleged that Reformed Church pupils in 
the State Secondary Schools at Uioara were al- 
lowed by the Director only one lesson weekly in 
religious instruction. 

(h) It is alleged that a Prefectural order was is- 
sued in Belini, District of Treiscaune, to cause a 
new State school building to be erected at the cost 
of the commune, although the present building 
is fully large enough to accommodate the scholars 
attending. It is felt that the purpose of the order 
is to burden the people with charges that will 
make their Confessional School too heavy an ex- 
pense to be sustained. 


REPLY 127 


(g) The pupils of the reformed religion church 
school at Unioara, were allowed for the religion class, 
one hour a week, on the basis of the general budget 
regulation, which provides and pays for each religion 
master of 20 pupils for one hour. 

(h) The new school in Belini, is not being built 
in the village but in a hamlet at a distance of several 
kilometers from the commune named Valea Belinului, 
for the children of that hamlet. The Belini school 
remains for the commune. 


128 ALLEGATION 


SECTION IV. 


ALLEGED INSTANCES OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST 
THE MINORITIES SHOWN IN THE EXPROPRIATION OR 
IN THE APPORTIONMENT OF LAND 


The Commission is informed that the Roumanian 
Law grants to Minority and Majority Churches 
equally 50 acres of land for each parish, and 66 acres 
to Churches where there is a Confessional School. 

1. Itis alleged that at San, Turda-Aries, the Uni- 
tarian Parish had 67 acres, from which it is alleged that 
eight acres were taken; but these eight acres contained 
the pond used for preparing the flax. Its alienation is 
alleged to cause hardship and to constitute discrimi- 
nation. ‘The case has been appealed; no answer has 
yet been given. 


REPLY 129 


SECTION IV 


ALLEGED INSTANCES OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST 
THE MINORITIES SHOWN IN THE EXPROPRIATION OR 
IN THE APPORTIONMENT OF LAND 


The Department of agriculture examining care- 
fully the complaints pointed out in paragraph 10 of 
the memorandum finding that several of them are 
identically the same, has grouped some of them to- 
gether as follows, and has sent a general answer for 
each group. 

On the carrying out of the dispositions of the agra- 
rian law in Ardeal as regards the churches, and the in- 
stitutions depending thereon the complaints arising 
therefrom can be summed up in the following manner. 


OBJECTION 


1. That the estates of the churches of the minori- 
ties, have been touched by the expropriation, be it by a 
partial or a total expropriation. 

That appealing against the expropriation, they re- 
ceived no satisfaction. 

That they were not treated on an equal footing as 
regards the complection and the endowment with 
church lands. 

That in some places the expropriation was executed 
without any payment. These are points No. 1, 2, 3, 
oT alee 2S TG TE Fa DE AG 41 hoe 6 tn Rt Ube Stal Op 


130 ALLEGATION 


2. It is alleged that at Suplac, Tarnava District, 
the Unitarian Parish had only 23 acres, of which one 
acre was taken away. ‘he case has been appealed; 
no answer has yet been given. 

3. It is alleged that at Sarosulungureso, Tarnava 
District, the Unitarian Parish and School had 53 acres, 
of which 19 acres were taken away and given to the 
Roumanian Church. 

4. Itis alleged that at Cehetel, Cristur District, the 
Unitarian Parish and School had 52 acres, of which 22 
acres were taken away. he case was appealed 1923, 
April 12th; no answer has yet been given. 

5. It is alleged that at Tarcesti, Cristur District, 
the Unitarian Parish had 150 acres, from which 128 
acres were taken away. ‘The case has been appealed; 
no answer has yet been given. 


REPLY ives | 


BM Aa Oy AF 029 92304 Si Leay ay OOj IO, 1505) 3 4yoOs 


39 and 41 of the memorandum. 


ANSWER 

1. The estates of the churches and the institutions 
belonging to them have been subject to expropriation 
in pursuance of Art. 5 of the Agrarian Law. The ex- 
propriation was not total, and only partial, the areas 
provided under § 4 of the above mentioned agrarian 
law for Ardeal as allotted to them, being always re- 
spected. | 

All the churches in Ardeal without any distinction of 
religion, were subjected to this contribution. If an 
appeal was lodged against any of these expropriations, 
and no answer was received, this is owing to the fact 
that the operations are still pending. As soon as the 
decisions are taken, answers are sent. 

Likewise, also on the basis of the provisions of the 
agrarian law, steps are taken, that, where the churches 
have no land (even if they belong to the minorities) 
they be endowed with the necessary areas of land, in 
the limits of possibility. 


132 ALLEGATION 


6. It is alleged that at Turdeni, Cristur District, 
the Unitarian Parish and School had 66 acres, from 
which 37 acres were taken away. ‘The case has been 
appealed; no answer has yet been given. 

7. Itis alleged that at Aita Mare, Treiscaune Dis- 
trict, the Unitarian Parish and School had 65 acres 
from which 30 acres were taken. It is further alleged 
that through a mistake in the records the Parish was 
credited with having had 72 acres. School and church 
are left with only 35 acres. The case was appealed 
December 15th, 1922; no answer has yet been given. 

8. Itis alleged that at Racosul de Jos, Alba de Sus 
District, the Community owned 170 acres, which were 
held for communal purposes, that of this 32 acres were 
given to the Roumanian Church, which has a member- 
ship of about 100 persons. It is further alleged that 
the Unitarian Church, having only six acres, received 
no more, and that the Reformed Church, having a 
larger membership than the Unitarian, received no 
more. Both churches applied. Of the remaining 138 
acres of communal land all but four acres were given 
to Roumanians. The case has been appealed; no 
answer has as yet been given. 

9. It is alleged that at Belini, Treiscaune District, 
the Unitarian Church had 46 acres of land, and that 
the neighboring (Roumanian) Community of Arin 
received 15 acres from it. ‘The Pastor appealed to the 
Prefect in April, 1921. He answered that the land 
would be returned. The Pastor has appealed three 
times, the last time in September, 1923, but the land 


REPLY 133 


For replies to Allegations 6, 7, 8, and 9, see page 
131. 


134 ALLEGATION 


has not been returned. Meanwhile, there was received 
a rental per acre of 40 lei, whereas 2000 lei per acre 
could have been received if the land had been rented in 
the usual way, an estimated annual loss of about 30,000 
lei. : 

10. It is alleged that at Brasov, Treiscaune Dis- 
trict, the Unitarian Church, numbering about 1200 per- 
sons, in 1917 was assigned a building lot by the Hun- 
garian State, and that the lot was confirmed to the 
Church by the City Council in 1922, on condition that 
a church edifice be erected before 1927. It is alleged 
that in 1924 the Prefect notified the City Council that 
the land could not be given to the Unitarian Church. 
The Council replied that no other land was available 
for the Unitarian Church, and that the land in question 
was not needed for other purposes. The Prefect 
replied that the land in question was wanted for a 
Roumanian Culture House. As no other central 
location can be secured, this decision if allowed to 
stand will work great harm to the Unitarian Church. 
‘The case was appealed to the Minister of the Interior, 
June 9th, 1924, No. 10450-924. No reply has yet 
been received. 

11. It is alleged that at Dopca, Alba de Sus Dis- 
trict, of the 13 acres owned by the Unitarian Church, 
two acres were taken away for house plots for Rou- 
manians, and 1-3 acre was given to the Roumanian 
Church, which already possessed its full quota of 50 
acres. The case was appealed December 19th, 1922. 
No answer has yet been received. 


REPLY 135 


For reply to Allegations 10 and 11, see page 131. 


136 ALLEGATION 


12. It is alleged that at Haranglab, Tarnava Dis- 
trict, land was being divided in and near this town, 
that the Reformed Church which possessed only 12 
acres, and the Unitarian Church and School, which pos- 
sessed 39 acres, applied for the full legal apportion- 
ment and received nothing, while Roumanians received 
large apportionments. 

13. It is alleged that at Seuca, Tarnava District, 
the Unitarian Church, which possessed 14 acres, ap- 
plied for its quota from land that was being divided 
in the adjoining village. ‘To the Roumanian Church 
42 acres were given, nothing to the Unitarian. 

14. Itis alleged that at Darjiu, Odorheiu District, 
36 acres were taken from the Unitarian Church which 
possessed 70. ‘The Church appealed for its full quota. 
No answer has yet been received. 

15. Itis alleged that at Meresti, Odorheiu District, 
there were taken from the Unitarian Church, which 
possessed 230 acres, 193 acres, leaving 37. The 
Church appealed for its full quota. No answer has 
yet been received. 

16. Itis alleged that at Petreni, Odorheiu District, 
the Unitarian Church, which possessed 24 acres, asked 
in March, 1921, for its quota in the division of a large 
estate in the adjoining village. No answer has yet 
been received. 

17. It is alleged that in Diciosanmartin, Tarnava 
District, the Unitarian Church, which possessed 12 
acres, asked in 1921 for its quota from land in the ad- 


REPLY 137 


For replies to Allegations 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 
isle. ZOyand 21, see pace 131; 


138 ALLEGATION 


joining village. 182 acres were given to Roumanians, 
none to Magyars. The Church received no answer. 

18. Itis alleged that at Fogaras, Alba de Sus Dis- 
trict, all the land of the Reformed Church with two 
ministers and school was expropriated, except 32 
acres, an amount far less than its quota, and that the 
valuable market right also was expropriated. The 
case has been twice appealed. No answer has yet been 
received. 

19. It is alleged that at Cornesti, Kolozs-doboka 
District, the Unitarian Church had 42 acres less than 
its quota, that four acres was expropriated and given to 
the Roumanian Church, and that no payment has been 
made. 

20. It is alleged that at Nyaradaudrasfalva, three 
fourths of the land of the Reformed Church was ex- 
propriated and given to the Roumanian Church, which 
then sold publicly its land holdings and proceeded 
to occupy the land lately taken from the Reformed 
Church. 

21. It is alleged that at Mezomadaras, the Re- 
formed School owned 320 acres, and had 120 pupils, 
and that contrary to the law, 294 acres were expropri- 
ated, leaving only 26 acres and in effect ruining the 
School. 

22. It is alleged that at Lisznyo, the Unitarian 
Church had 32 acres, of which 10 were taken in May, 
1923, and given to the Roumanian Church, which re- 
ceived also 10 acres in the adjoining village, and also 
10 acres in another adjoining village. And it is further 


REPLY 139 


For reply to Allegations 22, 23, and 24, see page 
rT 


OBJECTION 


2. The Bishoprics of the minorities have not been 
endowed with the 100 jugar quota provided by the 
Agrarian Law (point 26, of the memorandum). 


ANSWER 


2. Art. 7 of the Agrarian Law excludes from the 
expropriation, lands belonging to the Bishoprics, from 
100 jugar upwards, providing at the same time an en- 
dowment for those which possess no land, after all 
those who have a right to land in the locality, have 
been completely satisfied. 

As this operation is not yet completed, so that one 
cannot yet know what lands will remain available, 
after satisfying the above, decisions have not yet been 
taken in all the cases of Bishopric endowments. The 
matter remains open, and will be solved later in ac- 
cordance with the terms of the law. 


140 ALLEGATION 


alleged that of the 248 acres of forest belonging to the 
Reformed Church in the same town, 218 acres were 
taken and divided between the Uniate and Roumanian 
Churches. 

23. It is alleged that at Brasov, the Reformed 
Church had only two acres, which were expropriated 
and recovered only after costly litigation. 

24. Itis alleged that at Diciosanmartin, Deaj Dis- 
trict, the Roman Catholic Church had 21 acres and ap- 
pealed for the full quota in May, 1923, no answer 
being received, that the newly formed Roumanian 
Church received 56 acres, and that large grants of 
land were made to Roumanians in the neighborhood. 

25. It is alleged that at Racosul de Sus, Alba de 
Sus District, the Unitarian Church, for its forest of old 
oak trees worth in the market 50,000 lei per acre, 
was promised 150 lei per acre, which has not yet been 
received. 

26. It is alleged that under the Agrarian Reform 
Laws, provision is made to grant 100 acres of land for 
the support of the bishops and of the churches, includ- 
ing the Minority churches. It is alleged that in the ex- 
propriation of the land belonging to the Minority 
churches this provision has not been enforced, and 
that despite the fact that great areas of land have been 
taken from the Minority churches, the allotments of 
100 acres each for the Minority bishops have not been 
provided. The Commission respectfully submits that 
if the facts are as alleged this constitutes a hardship 
and discrimination. 


REPLY 141 


OBJECTION 
3. ‘The price fixed for the payment of the expropri- 
ated lands, is too small, and is considerably under the 


price fixed for the expropriations in the old kingdom 
(points 25, 28, 34, 43 and 44 of the memorandum). 


ANSWER 

3. [he price is fixed according to the rules pro- 
vided by Art. 50, of the Agrarian law for Ardeal, which 
is the same for all the landowners subject to expropria- 
tion, without any distinction of nationality or religion. 
The principle of the law is, to fix the price of the value 
of the land for the years which preceded the great war 
(1908-1913). The same principle rules the fixing of 
the price of the expropriated land, both in the old king- 
dom as well as in the other provinces (Banat and Bu- 
covina). ‘Therefore the Ardeal landowners are not 
worse treated in this respect. 


For reply to Allegation 26, see page 139. 


OBJECTION 
4. The expropriated land was not distributed in an 
equitable manner, to all the citizens of the different 
nationalities. Thus 90 per cent was given to the Rou- 
manian citizens, and barely 10 per cent to the citizens 
of other nationalities (point 27 of the memorandum). 


ANSWER 
4. ‘The expropriated land was distributed and di- 
vided equally, to all those having a right to the same, 
without any distinction of nationality or religion. 


142 ALLEGATION 


27. A high official of the Roman Catholic Church 
stated to the Commission that of all lands in Transy]l- 
vania alienated from the Roman Catholic Church 90 
per cent had been apportioned to Roumanians and only 
10 per cent Magyars. A detailed statement is promised, 
but has not yet reached the Commission. 

28. It is alleged that the prices fixed by the Rou- 
manian authorities to be paid to the Reformed 
Churches for expropriated lands were exceedingly low, 
being from 2000 to 4000 lei per acre, which sum in 
most cases would not equal the rent of the land for one 
year. It is further alleged that in the majority of cases, 
even where the prices were fixed, no payment had ever 
been made. Often, it is alleged, the losses are very 
heavy, as for example, in the case of Bethlen College, 
where it exceeded 25,000,000 lei. 

29. Itis alleged that in defiance of the terms of the 
Agrarian Law, building and lands belonging to the 
Reformed Church have been expropriated in the fol- 
lowing villages :— 

Chicsomihaly-Falva. 

Czege. 

Brad. 

Nyaradszentandras. 

Magyarbaksa. 

DZEL, 

Sajoudvarhely. 

Kajanto. 

Galgo. 

Marosszentimre. 


REPLY 143 


The results obtained lead to this conclusion, since 
if out of 530,964 having right to land, out of which 
396,342 are Roumanians and 134,352 other nationali- 
ties, 177,113 Roumanians will receive land and 64,173 
different nationalities. If the number of those having 
a right is greater for the Roumanians, this is due to 
the fact that the Roumanian population is three times 
more numerous than the other nationalities, that their 
occupation is the plough and that they have never had 
land of their own. Before the war the Roumanian 
population came up to 3,316,345 inhabitants owning 
about 3,598,000 jugars, whereas the other nation- 
alities numbering 1,891,000 inhabitants owned 
11,283,000 jugars. 

The agrarian law, calls in the first place those who 
work the land with their hands, and who own no land 
of their own, to receive the expropriated lands, and 
the inhabitants of Ardeal of Roumanian nationality 
are in this case. 


For reply to Allegation 28, see page 141. 
For reply to Allegations 29 and 30, see page 131. 


144 ALLEGATION 


30. The Commission respectfully submits that the 
Treaty guaranteed full liberty and support to all the 
Minority churches, together with freedom for self 
development. The Commission respectfully raises the 
question whether the alleged decision of the Rouma- 
nian Government to support only such churches as have 
300 members is in accordance with the terms of the 
Treaty. The Commission further raises the question 
whether the decision of the Roumanian Government to 
permit no new churches of the Minority denominations 
to organize or to receive support from the State, that, 
at the start have less than 300 members, as is alleged, 
is in accordance with the terms of the Treaty. The 
Commission, providing that the facts are as alleged, 
submits that taking away land from the parishes of 
under 300 members, cannot be in accordance with the 
terms of the Treaty. It is alleged that the Reformed 
Churches possessed of less than 300 members had all 
the land taken from them in the following villages :— 


Ribicze. 
Dios. 
Feherviz. 
Eiseskullo. 


Marosszentimre. 


31. It is further alleged, in this connection, that 
from the following Reformed Churches having less 
than 300 members all the land was taken and the 
Churches financially ruined :— 


REPLY 145 


For reply to Allegations 31, 32, 33, and 34, see 
page 141. 


146 ALLEGATION 


Clopadia. 

Buna. 

Santa. 

Elena. 

Caransebes. 

Ciavos. 

Nadlock. 

In the district of Bihor:—Cacucin Mare, Les 
Suplac. 

In the district of Ermellek :—Cristur. 

In the district of Baia Mare :—Livada nous, Tarna 
Mare, Boscoin. 

In the district of Caren Mari:—Ciumess, Dinslesti, 
Sanmiclaus. 

In the district of Salonta Mare :—Negru. 

32. Itis further alleged that these lands belonging 
to the Reformed Churches with less than 300 members 
were expropriated without payment. 

33. It is alleged that lands belonging to the Re- 
formed Church were taken and given.to the Roumanian 
Churches about to be formed in Retin, Narkosfalva, 
and Szilagysimlyo. 

34. It is alleged that in Magyarbaksa the land and 
school belonging to the Reformed Church were taken 
away and given to the Roumanian Church and the 
price fixed at 3000 lei, although a fair value of the 
property would have been not less than 15,000 lei. 

35. It is alleged that at Suplac the church bells 
have recently been taken from the tower of the Re- 
formed Church and given away by the Roumanian ofh- 


REPLY 147 


For reply to Allegations 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, 
see page 131. 


148 ALLEGATION 


cials. It is alleged further that the Reformed Church 
has not a full quota of land and that 50 acres of land 
has been given for a Roumanian Church which does not 
yet exist. It is further alleged that in the same town, 
all the land allowed by the Roumanian Law for the 
Cantor has been taken away from the Reformed 
Church and given to the Roumanian Church, although 
no attempt has been made to found a Roumanian 
Church, while the land expropriated has been rented, 
and that no income or payment is given to the Re- 
formed Church. 

36. It is alleged that from the Reformed Church 
at Liznyo, which possessed 32 acres of land and ap- 
plied for the full quota, 10 acres were taken away and 
given to the Roumanian Church. 

37. It is alleged that at Nasfalau the Reformed 
Church having 1800 members, possessed 22 acres of 
land, and applied for the quota, but no answer was 
received. It is further alleged that the Roumanian 
Church in the adjoining village, which as yet does not 
exist, received 140 acres of land. 

38. It is alleged by the Dean of the Reformed 
Church in the district of Mures, that in his district 
1,224 acres were expropriated from the Reformed 
Church. He alleges that only a single Reformed 
Church in his district (Cserefalva) has received land, 
this being 18 acres. It is further alleged that this 18 
acres of land was taken away after half a year. 

39. It is alleged that the Roumanian Churches in 


REPLY 149 


To Allegation 40 no reply is given. 
For reply to Allegation 41, see page 131. 


OBJECTION 


5. ‘The Agrarian law for Ardeal, is much severer 
than in the old kingdom. Inasmuch (says the memo- 
randum), as in the old kingdom, only the big landown- 
ers are dispossessed, whereas in Ardeal it extends also 
to the small landowners (points 42 and 47 of the mem- 
orandum. ) 

ANSWER 


5. The rule of the agrarian law for Ardeal is not se- 
verer than it is in the old kingdom. By comparing the 
texts of these two laws, we may conclude that the rule 
is severer for the old kingdom. ‘The expropriation of 
the totality, extends in the old kingdom, without excep- 
tion, over all the land belonging to alien landowners, 
absentees, lands let for farming for more than 10 years 
mortmain lands (art. 7 Agrarian law of the old king- 
dom) whatever be the area of these estates. Whereas 
in Ardeal the same class of landowners, are treated 
much more leniently. ‘Thus strangers are treated the 
same as Roumanian citizens, the absentees are dis- 
possessed only from 50 jug. upwards, land let for 
farming from 30 jug. upwards, maint more lands only 
from a certain area upwards (art. 6 exceptions to and 
De) 4) 

The forests in the old kingdom are expropriated ac- 
cording to necessity, in view of creating pasture lands 


150 ALLEGATION 


the district have received their full quota of land, 
approximately, in each instance. 

40. It is alleged that in Zagon an Endowment 
Fund was given in land, for maintaining a Reformed 
Church Orphanage. This Endowment was expro- 
priated in 1921-22. The Chief Committee revised 
their decision and wished to give 30 acres of Endow- 
ment Land back, but the head of the Agrarian Com- 
mittee in St. Georges had rented this 30 acres to Rou- 
manians. The Orphanage, it is alleged, has suffered 
complete loss of endowment. It is further alleged 
that the land used for the Cantor of the Reformed 
Church, was expropriated and given to the Roumanian 
Church which has not yet been built, and that in the 
meantime the land is rented. It is alleged further, 
that the Municipality offered land to the Roumanian 
Church, if the Roumanians desired to build, but in- 
stead of accepting the land from the Municipality 
the Cantor’s land was taken. 

41. Itis alleged that at Satulcioc, Mures District, 
the Unitarian Church possessed 24 acres and applied 
for a further allotment of 14 acres, being less than 
the legal quota, and received no answer to the appeal, 
although the Roumanians living in the near-by village 
of Bozias received apportionments of the land that was 
being divided, and the Roumanian Church at Zoke- 
falva, having only 97 members, received of this village 
a grant of 42 acres. 

42. Itis alleged that the Agrarian Reform Laws 
for Transylvania differ materially from the Reform 


REPLY 151 


for the communes being liable of being totally taken; 
whereas in Ardeal, however great the necessity a mini- 
mum of 100 jug. is reserved in flat and hilly country, 
and 200 jug. in the mountains. 


To Allegation 40 no reply is given. 
For reply to Allegation 41, see page 131. 


OBJECTION 


6. Inthe old kingdom the forests are expropriated 
at current prices, whereas in Ardeal they are taken for 
an average value of the years 1908-1913 (point 45 of 
the memorandum). 


ANSWER 


6. ‘The price of the expropriated forests, is fixed 
according to the same rules as the expropriated land. 
It is not true that the current value is paid. 


152 ALLEGATION 


Laws as applied to Old Roumania. It is alleged that 
the Law for Old Roumania is less radical, and less 
offensive to private equity. In support of this allega- 
tion it is stated that in the old kingdom the land 
allowed to the holder is fixed in hectars, whereas in 
Transylvania it is fixed in the same number of acres. 
As one hectar is equal to 1.738 acres, it follows that 
the landowners in Old Roumania can keep nearly 
double the proportion of land allowed in Transyl- 
vania. It is further alleged that in Old Roumania the 
proprietor can keep the quota in each of his several 
estates, while in Transylvania he is allowed to keep 
one quota only in one estate. 

43. Itis further alleged that in Old Roumania the 
price paid to the landowner is fixed at double the price 
current in 1916, while in Transylvania it is fixed on 
the average price of the years 1908-13. ‘Therefore 
the price received in the old kingdom is much higher 
than in Transylvania. 

44, It is further alleged that as the lei has fallen 
in value, the real value of the bonds given in payment 
for the land is only 45 to 50 per cent of the nominal 
value of the bonds, and so the Transylvania proprietor 
receives only one per cent of the value of hisland. For 
example, if 500 lei nominal value is the average price 
given for one acre of land, this represents really no 
more than 250 lei current value, equal only to six gold 
francs. ‘The price of the same measure of land before 
the war was 500 gold francs. 

45. It is further alleged that in the ancient king- 


REPLY 153 


For reply to Allegations 43 and 44, see page 141. 


154 ALLEGATION 


dom forests have been expropriated at the present cur- 
rent value, while in Transylvania they have been taken 
at the average value from 1908-13. It is further 
alleged that in Old Roumania only the land belonging 
to the large proprietors has been subject to expropri- 
ation, while in Transylvania the land of small farmers, 
holding from 5 to 16 acres, is often taken away 
(Article 10 of the Law of Transylvania). 

46. It is alleged that the Agrarian Reform Law 
for Transylvania allows expropriation in towns and 
villages of small portions of land for the purpose of 
building dwelling-houses. Under this law, it is alleged 
that a considerable portion of the land owned by small 
_ farmers, who used it for growing vegetables, has been 
expropriated. 

47. It is alleged that the manner in which the 
Agrarian Reform Law is administered in ransyl- 
vania differs widely from the way the Law is admin- 
istered in Old Roumania, and that whatever be the 
theory of administration the practice takes away the 
land from the small farmers, from the Confessional 
Schools, institutions, and churches, and fails to give 
equitable compensation as contrasted with the far more © 
equitable administration in Old Roumania. 

While the Commission disclaims any pretence of 
familiarity with the intricacies of Roumanian Law, it 
respectfully submits that it would be delinquent in its 
duty if it failed to call the attention of the High Rou- 
manian Ministers of State to these allegations against 
the administration of the Law. 


REPLY 


To Allegation 46 no reply is given. 
For reply to Allegation 47, see page 149. 


155 


156 ALLEGATION 


SECTION V 


UNGROUPED INSTANCES OF UNWARRANTED INTER- 
FERENCE WITH MINORITY RIGHTS 


1. Alleged discrimination against the appointment 
to seats in the Roumanian Senate of the Bishops of 
the Minority churches. 

It is alleged that under the new Constitution no 
Bishop of a Minority church shall be entitled to sit 
in the Senate unless the said church shall have a con- 
stituent membership of at least 200,000 persons, and 
that every Bishop of the Roumanian Church shall be 
entitled to sit in the Senate without any qualification as 
to the number of his constituents. It is further alleged 
that under the new Constitution no Minority denomi- 
nation will be entitled to more than one Bishop in the 
Senate, even though its constituency be several times 
greater than 200,000 constituents. For example, the 
Reformed Church claims 1,000,000 members, yet it 
will be entitled to no more than one Bishop in the Sen- 
ate. A request is now before the Roumanian Govern- 
ment for a second Reformed Church Bishop, but it is 
alleged that under the new Constitution if and when 
the new Bishop shall be appointed he will not be en- 
titled to sit in the Senate although his constituency will 
exceed 200,000 persons. 

The Commission submits that whatever privileges 
or restrictions be given or imposed, they should be 
made equally binding on the majority and the minor- 


REPLY 157 


SECTION V 


DIFFERENT CASES OF INTERFERENCE ON THE PART 
OF THE AUTHORITIES IN THE RIGHTS OF THE 
MINORITIES 


1. We will, first of all, observe that the reformed 
church in the country numbers not a million, and only 
650,000 followers, and that in Hungary not all the 
Bishops of the Protestant church were members of the 
Senate, although all the Catholic and Orthodox 
Bishops were “‘ex officio’” members. 

It is true that on behalf of the reformed Church, ap- 
plication was made for a second Bishop; this matter 
will be finally settled at the same time as the organiza- 
tion of the reformed Church, which will be done after 
the enactment of the law on the cult regime. 


158 ALLEGATION 


ity, and that anything less than such an impartial ad- 
justment constitutes a discrimination against the 
Minorities. 

The Commission further submits that a seat in the 
Senate for all Minority Bishops, or surely for such as 
now or later may represent at least 200,000 constitu- 
ents, is a matter of very great importance for all the 
Minority denominations. 

2. Alleged interference with the meetings for pub- 
lic worship in the Unitarian Church at Trascau, Turda 
District. 

At Trascau a disused building, formerly belonging to 
the Unitarian Church, and located within the ancient 
walls which surround the Unitarian Church, has been 
given to the Roumanian Church for the purposes of 
public worship. It is alleged that there are about 
one hundred Roumanians in the village. ‘The Rou- 
manian congregation has erected a church bell adjacent 
to the wall of the Unitarian Church, being not more 
than one hundred feet distant. It is alleged that this 
bell is rung intermittently on Sunday mornings during 
the hours of worship in the Unitarian Church to the 
distress of the Unitarian congregation, the members 
being unable to hear the minister because of the sound 
of the bell. It is further alleged that in addition to 
ringing the bell, the Roumanian congregation sounds 
a metal bar, called a toka, which renders it still more 
dificult for the members of the Unitarian congrega- 
tion to hear the minister in the Unitarian Church. 
The Commission saw the bell and measured the dis- 


REPLY 159 


2. This case has already been settled by a decision 
of the Prefect of the district of Turda-Aries, who re- 
ports to us as follows: 

It is true that at Trascau the Roumanian Orthodox 
chapel is in the school house situated close to the Uni- 
tarian Church. The Roumanian Priest used the 
school bell, to call the faithful to the service, and also 
when there were burials, weddings, etc. On no oc- 
casion can it be said that the Orthodox ever tried to dis- 
turb intentionally the Unitarian Church service. Af- 
ter an investigation on the premises he moved certain 
State offices, and placed the Roumanian chapel where 
these offices had been, conciliating in this manner both 
the susceptibility of the Unitarian congregation and 
the dignity of the Orthodox church. 

3. It is true that at Targu Sacuiesc the soldiers 
pass through the streets singing or trumpeting, on 
their way to drill, but it is unjust to assert, that they 
march up and down, in front of the Hungarian Church. 
They go and come back from drill along the usual road, 
and if they disturb divine service during this short time, 
the same may be said for the Roumanian Church, and 
other public offices. We need not insist on the trifling 
nature of this complaint. 

4. This case regards the courts, the State having 
nothing to do with it. 

5. It is true that the police sequesters instruments 
such as axes, etc., which constitute the objects of fights 
which go on with the Secu, besides they are obliged to 


160 ALLEGATION 


tance between it and the church. ‘The Commission 
saw the post on which the toka is alleged to be 
sounded. ‘The post is nearer to the Unitarian Church 
than the bell. 

3. At Targul-Sacuesc, Treiscaune District, it is 
alleged that since the spring of 1924, the soldiery 
make a practice of singing, trumpeting, and marching 
to and fro with a band in front of the Minority 
churches during the hour of public worship, to the 
distress of the congregations. 

Similar cases of interference with public worship 
in the Minority churches were reported in several 
districts. 

4. City of Brasov. It is alleged that two Singing 
Corps in 1916 built a club house at No. 22 Strada 
Porzic, and they are not allowed to occupy it. The 
case has been appealed; no answer has yet been re- 
ceived. 

5. Itis alleged in other villages visited by the Com- 
mission that the gendarmes were constantly guilty of 
petty thieving and taking small tools such as axes, and 
also food, and it is alleged in extenuation that the Rou- 
manian Government failed to pay them an amount 
sufficient to live upon. 

6. Itis alleged that no books printed in the Magyar 
language are allowed to be brought into Transyl- 
vania from Budapest. Scientific, educational and 
religious works are being debarred, even Bibles in the 
Magyar speech. 

It is further alleged that this interference with the 


REPLY 161 


sequester military equipments taken from the enemy,— 
but there is no question of theft. 

6. The general surety department did in fact pro- 
hibit at a time, bringing certain books from Budapest, 
because it was convinced that the very text of the Bible 
was made use of for propaganda against the Rouma- 
nian State. Although even in the school books there 
were found seditious passages, the Minister of Cult 
nevertheless used his influence, for the Bible, written 
in Hungarian, to be allowed to be brought into the 
country. 


162 ALLEGATION 


purchase of books printed in the Magyar language 
works to the great disadvantage of all educational 
institutions and especially of the higher schools. 

7. It is alleged that theological students from the 
Unitarian churches in Hungary, are not permitted to 
pursue their theological studies at the Unitarian Col- 
lege, Cluj. It is to be remembered that prior to 1919, 
all the Unitarian churches in Transylvania and in 
other parts of Hungary, were supplied with ministers 
trained at this Unitarian Theological College, and that 
there is no Unitarian School for Ministers in Hungary. 

A consistory with a Bishop has been established 
at Budapest looking to the future autonomy, but it 
will be impossible for this small group of Unitarian 
churches in Hungary to establish a Divinity School 
for the training of its ministers. Students of all the 
leading colleges of the world are received from foreign 
countries. “The Commission respectfully submits that 
there appears to be no logical reason why this general 
custom should not be followed, and Hungarian students 
permitted to study at the Unitarian Theological Col- 
lege at Cluj. It is further to be remembered in this 
connection that the Unitarian Theological College is 
the oldest training school for the Unitarian Ministry 
in the world, and that it has been held in veneration by 
the Unitarian churches throughout the world, and that 
in the past many students from foreign countries have 
studied there. 

The Commission ventures to express the hope that 
such restrictions as now exist may be so modified as to 


REPLY 163 


7. A provisory measure ought to irredentism agi- 
tations which were lately tried there. 


164 ALLEGATION 


permit students from Unitarian churches in Hun- 
gary again to study at Cluj. 

8. In 1922, the Rev. Tudor Jones, of - Bristol, 
England, visited Transylvania, it is alleged at the invi- 
tation of Roumanian officials. He encouraged wit- 
nesses to talk freely. After he left, the said witnesses 
were called to police headquarters and threatened and 
admonished. This is alleged to have happened in all 
places visited by Mr. Jones. The Commission could 
not get explicit infofmation, as the witnesses feared to 
give their own names, the names of places, or the dates. 

9. It is alleged that in the Courts of Transylvania 
the procedure is exclusively in the Roumanian tongue, 
which frequently is not understood by the parties most 
admonished. ‘Testimony on this matter was so con- 
stantly given that the Commission is forced to believe 
that such instances are at the least not infrequent. If 
and wherever they occur, the Commission respectfully 
submits that they violate the Treaty, Article 8, “‘ade- 
quate facilities shall be given to Roumania nationals 
of non-Roumanian speech for the use of their language 
orally or in writing before the Courts.” 

It is further alleged that the Roumanian Judges in 
Transylvania are ill-informed concerning the statutes 
which they administer. 

10. It is alleged that in Martinus, Odorheiu Dis- 
trict, peasants are compelled to work on the police land 
on Sundays in violation of their convictions and with- 
out payment. This happened last on June 29th, 1924. 
The Chief of Gendarmes in the town is changed often, 


REPLY 165 


8. The very vague complaints could not be con- 
trolled;—one thing however is certain, that such re- 
prisals have never been sanctioned by the responsible 
authorities, and do not coincide with the tolerant 
character of our population. 


To Allegation 9 no reply is given. 


10. From the information gathered from the Pre- 
fect the facts put forward do not seem to be true. 


166 ALLEGATION 


about every month, and complaints are alleged to be 
useless. 

11. Itis alleged that in Kezdivasarheoy the inhabi- 
tants, especially the merchants, are very often invited 
on possible and impossible occasions, to take part in 
very expensive (140-160 lei) banquets. It is under- 
stood that to be present is obligatory, as those who 
are absent are supposed to be antagonistic to the State. 

12. It is alleged that schools, trade unions, and 
associations are ordered to take part in Orthodox 
church services held in the town-square, and also to 
take part in processions. 

13. It is alleged that the Hospital of Kezdivasar- 
heoy—founded and maintained by public generosity— 
was taken over, and nationalized by the Government on 
the ground that no private hospital can be maintained 
in the country. ‘The association law passed on the 6th 
of February, 1924, permits this; still, the Hospital 
was taken over on the ground of the earlier “lex 
specialis,”’ which forbids hospitals to be kept by private 
individuals or companies. 

14. It is alleged that in 1923 throughout the Tar- 
nava District placards were posted encouraging Rou- 
manians to take away the property of Minorities, 
and that the gendarmes allowed them to be displayed 
freely for two weeks before ordering their removal. 

15. It is alleged that Fulop Domokos, teacher in 
Mujna, Odorheiu District, while doing his prescribed 
military service in the 89th Regiment at Brasov in 
1923, was offered release by the military authority 


REPLY 167 


11. The mayor of the town of Kezdivasarheli, 
Mr. Morvay Endre, who is a true born Hungarian, 
shows that for the banquets which were to be given, 
he sent lists which were presented to the guests. He 
declares that it is not true that these invitations were 
binding; on the contrary he says that on these occasions 
he did not know how to do, not to offend anybody by 
leaving him out of the list, as there were many cases 
where various persons were vexed at not being asked. 

12. ‘The reports received prove these points to be 
untrue. 

13. The hospital of Targul Secuilor has been taken 
over by the State at the special request of those who 
managed it, amongst whom we may mention the coun- 
tess Mikes. ‘The reason for transferring this hospital 
to the case of the State was the want of proper means 
for keeping it up. 

14. The corps of gendarmes of Sighisioara state 
that no advertisements of the nature of those men- 
tioned, were ever stuck anywhere within the territory 
of the district of Tarnava Mare. 

15. Such an affirmation cannot be taken into con- 
sideration. 


168 ALLEGATION 


a year before his service expired if he would declare 
himself Roumanian and take a Roumanian name. He 
refused and served his full term. 

16. It is alleged that teachers in State schools and 
priests of the Roumanian Church have asserted that 
surnames long used in Magyar form were formerly 
Roumanian surnames, and have forced children into 
the Roumanian division of the State schools when they 
could understand no language but Magyar, and claimed 
to be of Magyar descent. If the facts are as alleged, 
they constitute a violation of freedom in religious affili- 
ation. It is alleged further that explicit information 
was withheld from the Commission for fear of reprisals 
by local officials. 

17. It appears that the Lutheran, Reformed, and 
Unitarian Churches in Transylvania all contributed 
to their denominational clergy Pension Funds which 
were under the guardianship of the Hungarian State 
and in the care of the several denominational Hun- 
garian authorities. 

It is alleged that these Pension Funds are not now 
available for the ministers in the several Transylvanian 
churches. It was submitted to the Commission by 
many of the high officers of the Minority churches that 
they believed the Roumanian State should, through 
proper diplomatic channels, take up this question with 
the Hungarian State in order that a fair portion of the 
Hungarian clergy Pension Funds might be allotted to 
the Transylvanian churches that formerly were in 


REPLY 169 


16. Having no precise data we can have no proofs 
of such things existing, of which so far we know noth- 
ing. 

17. The question of the ecclesiastical, school, etc. 
pension fund, as well as of a certain class of State off- 
cials, and others put on the same footing (the teachers, 
church school professors, etc. pension fund) come un- 
der the provisions of articles 249 and 356 respectively 
of the Trianon treaty, as regards Hungary. 

These funds have to be distributed to the States con- 
cerned. 

As these funds however concern Priests etc. belong- 
ing to ecclesiastical authorities, who exercise their ac- 
tivity over territories transferred to more than one 
State, the question cannot be decided by mutual under- 
standing between Hungary and Roumania, but must be 
decided by all the States concerned, in a conference, 
all these States being represented. 

As regards the funds in Hungary, the States con- 
cerned are Hungary, Roumania, Jougo-Slavia, Tcheck- 
oslovakia, and Austria. 

The initiative of calling such a conference should be 
taken, as the conference meeting in Vienna and in 
Rome has not this question in its programme.—We 
may add that the Roumanian government has always 
proved a great interest for this pension fund, and at 
this moment is considering the matter which is the 
object of special studies for a future conference. 


170 ALLEGATION 


affiliation with the churches of the same confession 
in Hungary. 

The Commission respectfully submits that any initi- 
ative which the High Roumanian Ministers of State 
might see their way to take in bringing this matter to 
the attention of the proper Hungarian Ministers would 
be a cause of gratification to the Transylvanian Minor- 
ity churches. 


REPLY 171 


This is the answer to the memorandum of August 
Ist 1924 an answer founded on the undisputed reality 
of the facts. 

It proves: 

I. That as regards the principles which guide its 
policy towards minorities, the Roumanian State is 
solely inspired by the broadest spirit of tolerance and 
liberalism. 

II. That very many of the complaints set forth, in 
the memorandum (we are obliged to say it) have the 
character of trifling episodes, and even insignificant 
events. 

We can finish by observing that day by day a great 
improvement is produced in the consolidation of Rou- 
mania’s task;—thus as regards the church schools, a 
new law is on the point of being voted by Parliament, a 
law which has been prepared by the Minister of In- 
struction with the representatives of the church schools 
working together, whose text is drawn up in a most lib- 
eral sense, as is publicly acknowledged by the minority 
press of Roumania. 


172 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


COMMENTS ON THE REPLY OF THE ROUMANIAN 
GOVERNMENT 


The Memorandum submitted by the Commission 
to the Roumanian Government presents 135 alleged 
cases of abuse, classified under five headings, selected 
from an enormous mass of evidence, not as peculiar, 
but as symptomatic. “The Commission begs the mem- 
bers of the Committee on the Rights of Religious M1- 
norities and the other readers of this report to hold in 
mind the following statements while comparing the 
Memorandum with the Government’s reply. 

1. ‘The Roumanian Government alleges that the 
Reformed (Presbyterian) and Unitarian Transylva- 
_ nian Bishops did not know of all the alleged instances of 
abuse. To this statement and its implication the Com- 
mission respectfully begs to take exception. The 
Bishops of the Minority churches, Reformed (Presby- 
terian), Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Unitarian, 
are fully conversant with the kind of abuses which these 
cases represent, and they have so stated publicly on 
many occasions. Further, three of the Bishops met 
the Commission in ‘Transylvania and made personal 
afirmation of their knowledge of abuses. 

2. ‘The Roumanian Government denies all but two 
of the cases of abuse (Section II, Case 8, Section III, 
Case 2 (k)), and these are not the most important. 
In one instance only (Section V, Case 2), and here 
the text of the reply is not wholly clear, is redress 
given, 


— SS 


IN TRANSYLVANIA 173 


3. It will be observed that the Roumanian Goy- 
ernment evades questions regarding its policy. The 
Commission respectfully submits that the evasion and 
silence of the Roumanian Government’s reply are 
significant. 

4. Incertain of the denials the Roumanian Govern- 
ment makes large and significant admissions. For 
example: in Case (d), page 111, the Government 
admits that any person whose name a local official 
may decide to be of Roumanian origin can be coerced 
against his wish and judgment to unite with the Rou- 
manian Church, and also against his judgment and 
wish he can be required to send his children to the 
Roumanian Department of the State School. Is this 
consistent with civil and religious liberty? 

5. The Roumanian Government makes one gen- 
eral denial to no less than 35 explicit and different al- 
leged instances of abuse. 

6. The Commission submits that in all the sections 
of the Roumanian Government’s reply, except concern- 
ing the schools, there is no evidence that an impartial 
and real investigation has been made. In regard to 
the schools, there is no evidence that any investigation 
has been made beyond consulting the records. For 
example, to state that a Confessional School has been 
closed because of improper housing, does not at all 
answer the question why the Government confiscated 
the excellent building and equipment belonging to the 
Confessional School and then turned the school out to 
seek such quarters as in its poverty it could secure, thus 


174 THE RELIGIOUS MINORITIES 


creating the conditions which it claims led to the closing 
of the school. 

The High Ministers of State in conference with the 
Commission acknowledged certain abuses. For ex- 
ample, Case 5 (a) pages 118 and 120, where the Uni- 
tarian College was penalized by one Department of 
the Government for obeying another Department; and 
again in Case 5 (c), pages 120 and 122, where the 
Reformed (Presbyterian) College at Kun met with 
severe losses and was closed. Further, the High 
Ministers of State promised relief. The reply shows 
that nothing has been done. 

8. One constant complaint which the Minorities 
made to the Commission was to the effect that abuses 
are presented to the Bucharest Government with all 
details, are listened to sympathetically, and relief is 
promised. ‘Then nothing whatever is done. The 
Commission submits that this is the treatment accorded 
to the Memorandum, which was written at the request 
of the Roumanian Government and with every desire 
on the part of the members of the Commission to co- 
operate with the Roumanian Government for the wel- 
fare of the Minorities. 

9. The Commission submits that the reply of the 
Roumanian Government is evasive and inconclusive. 


To avoid all possibility of misunderstanding, it is 
again stated that this report expresses the findings of 
the Commission and not the findings of the American 
Committee on the Rights of Religious Minorities, to 
whom it is now submitted. The Committee has as yet 


expressed no opinion. 


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